Miss Felicia’s 30th annual “Nutcracker” ballet was held Saturday, Dec. 13, at Lazzara Performance Hall at the University of North Florida. Hundreds of people gathered to see the magical holiday tradition performed by Miss Felicia’s Dance Ministry at Christ’s Church.
Miss Felicia’s “Nutcracker” has touched the lives of hundreds of students and families for the past three decades. The ballet is not only an exciting performance. It raises money for charities including Dreams Come True, Pediatric Hospice, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Amistad Orphanage in Bolivia.
“It’s about using the arts to lift the community, especially during a time of year when compassion matters most,” said Claire Duffy, Felicia Rhoden’s daughter and backstage manager.
The show has grown exceptionally over the last 30 years. It began as a small production with 17 dancers and excerpts from the “Nutcracker.” Now, the show is a full-scale production with professional-level choreography and beautiful sets. Duffy said that, despite all the growth, the heart of the show remains the same.
Rhoden’s love and support for her dancers has had a lasting impact on them. She teaches her students to be kind and celebrate each other’s wins. Rhoden’s students don’t have to audition, and anyone can be chosen to play a part. When she chooses the role of Clara each year, the other students are genuinely happy for the dancer picked. Rhoden’s impact on the community and her students has sparked so much joy and continues to make the ballet a holiday favorite in the community.
“Every ticket supports both the charities and local families, making this more than a show; it’s a gift back to those in need,” said Duffy.
The dancers were all talented and brought so much joy to the audience.
This year’s “Nutcracker” starred Morgan Paul as Clara, senior Anya Ragatz as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Quinn Faircloth as the Lilac Fairy and seniors Lillian Weiss and Maya Jones as the Snow Queens. Seniors Ragatz, Weiss and Jones were joined by the rest of the graduating seniors, Hadley Frey, Madeline Rey, Anna Shuck and Maura Waller. After the finale, Rhoden spoke about the blessing of watching these dancers learn and grow in both their faith and dance.
