Campbell Pate
Campbell Pate, a fourth grader at VHEC, will be dancing the lead female role of Marie in Alabama Ballet’s production of Balanchine’s Nutcracker in December. Photo courtesy of Libba Owens.
For one young Vestavia Hills resident, dreams will come true on stage this fall.
Campbell Pate, a fourth grader at Vestavia Hills Elementary Central, will be dancing the lead female role of Marie in Alabama Ballet’s production of Balanchine’s Nutcracker in December. Marie is also commonly known as Clara.
The Alabama Ballet remains one of only seven companies in the world granted the right to perform this holiday classic by the Balanchine Trust. Performed to Balanchine’s exact specifications, dazzling choreography, costumes and sets make the production truly unique.
“I love the costumes,” Campbell said. “I get to wear pretty dresses, and I get to wear a crown.”
Campbell has been taking ballet classes since she was little. For her, dancing the part of Marie has been her goal for years.
“It’s been my dream to play the part of Marie since I was two,” Campbell said. “My mother used to read me the Barbie nutcracker.”
“Every year she kept asking ‘how old do I have to be?, how old do I have to be?’,” recalls Campbell’s mother Renee.
Campbell has been rehearsing several days a week since October. It’s a challenge but one that she greatly enjoys.
“It’s hard to dance and also use facial expressions,” said Campbell. “My favorite scene is the battle scene because of all the action.”
Outside of dancing, Campbell said she enjoys doing anything that has to do wit the arts including drawing and singing. As she looks ahead to the big performance in December, the young dancer is calm and ready.
“I’m not really too nervous, just excited,” Campbell said.
This year, the Alabama Ballet’s performance will be going on the road to Anniston. Campbell will be dancing as Marie in the Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 20-21 performances. Tickets can be bought at alabamaballet.org or by calling 975-2787.
