While there are new sets, new costumes and new choreography for this year’s production of The Nutcracker at the Schuster Center, the Sugar Plum Fairy, Nutcracker and Rat King are all back as well as Clara, portrayed this year by Mollie Juniewicz ‘25.
This year marks the 11th time that Juniewicz has performed in this holiday classic, starting as a furry little lamb at just six years old. She played the younger Clara in 2021 and is looking forward to portraying the older version of the familiar character this year. This Eagles senior, who plans to pursue dance professionally, is excited to be bringing Dayton Ballet artistic director Brandon Ragland’s vision to life on stage
“It’s a challenging role, but also so much fun,” Juniewicz said. “I really just love being a part of people’s holiday traditions.”
In addition to dancing with Dayton Ballet School Ensemble, Juniewicz is also active in the CJ community as a four-year member of the tennis team, an Eagle Ambassador and lending her talents in establishing a new club.
“As a Performing Arts Leadership Student (PALS), Mollie has been instrumental in the development of the dance club at CJ this year. The club is open to all students and Mollie has planned the meetings,” said Caitlin Bennett, performing arts department chair. “We are so excited for Mollie and proud of her as she performs this very special role in The Nutcracker this year.”
Set to Tchaikovsky’s familiar score and performed live by the Dayton Philharmonic, this will be the world premiere of Ragland’s show. Juniewicz will be dancing in the role of Clara on Saturday, Dec. 14 – 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15 – 2:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 20 – 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 21 – 7:30 p.m.