Kids & Family

Springfield Second-Grader's Role in 'Nutcracker' a Dream Come True

Guiliana Cascarano will perform as a party guest/cousin in the first act of the 6 p.m. performance on Dec. 22 at Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown.

For Giuliana Cascarano, a second-grader at Edward V. Walton Elementary School, the opportunity to perform in 'The Nutcracker' is something she's dreamed of for years.

The budding ballerina saw the holiday classic with her mother for the first time at the age of 3.

"Afterwards, she had the chance to meet one of the ballerinas that was on stage," her mom, Christine, explained. "She told Giuliana that she studied dance at the New Jersey School of Ballet. Giuliana then asked if she could go there, too, so she could be in 'The Nutcracker' one day. And here we are - a real dream come true."

Guiliana followed in the dancer's footsteps and has been studying ballet at the New Jersey School of Ballet in Livingston for the past three years. On Sunday, Dec. 22, she will portray a party guest/cousin in the first act of the 6 p.m. performance at Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown.

When asked how she feels about making her debut in such a large theater, the eager performer simply said it's "amazing."

"We just couldn't be more proud of her," said Christine of herself and Guiliana's dad, Gennaro. "While she is guaranteed this spot already, she has also been invited to rehearse as an understudy to be a clown. She loves ballet and hopes be to a part of 'The Nutcracker" again next year." 

For more information about 'The Nutcracker,' visit Mayo PAC's website. 


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