Perrie Chastagner’s introduction to “The Nutcracker” came long before she could walk or talk.
Nine-year-old Perrie is the Bunny in this year’s Colton Ballet Company production of the classic holiday ballet, but her mom, Carlee Chastagner has been performing in it since she was about Perrie’s age.
“She was born In September, and I was Frau in November. At two months old, she was in the theater. Before I started, I’d walk her across the stage, and at intermission, I’d walk her across the stage. Every year since then, we’d have a stroll across the stage at intermission. She’d pick up the snow and throw it around. She’s always just grown up in it,” said Chastagner, Colton’s ballet mistress.
The Chastagners are among several family groups that make “The Nutcracker” a central part of their holiday season. They will take the Imperial Theatre stage Thanksgiving weekend.
“It’s a big family affair with so many family members involved,” said Caitlin Phibbs, Colton’s artistic director.
Multiple generations take the stage together such as the father-daughter duo of Mark Moody and Carson Youngblood. Moody’s sister. Leigh McCormack. is Phibbs’ mother. Moody and Youngblood’s introduction to Colton came from attending a Nutcracker performance to see Phibbs. Youngblood, took dance at Colton as a child and as an adult continues to return annually for The Nutcracker. Youngblood and Moody will be part of the party scene.
Ashley Fisher is another Colton alum who participates in the party scene just like her father did for many years.
“He passed away, and it’s her way to give him tribute, to honor him in a fun way,” said Phibbs.
Fisher has a daughter who recently started taking ballet but isn’t quite old enough for “The Nutcracker.” If she likes ballet, she could carry on that family tradition.
While there are about a dozen biological families working together to make “The Nutcracker” magic, the company itself forms a larger family, Chastagner and Phibbs said.
“Her favorite part is spending time with her friends,” Chastagner said of Perrie. “We’re very strict; they don’t get to talk in class. In ‘The Nutcracker,’ they get moments where hopefully they will create the lifelong friendships. She’s making her own dance family, but she’s getting involved with my dance family as well.”
Phibbs and Chastagner said they are still friends with their fellow dancers with whom they bonded over long hours in the studio and theater rehearsing and performing.
The Colton Ballet Company performance of “The Nutcracker” will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29 and at 1 and 5 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at the Imperial Theatre. For tickets, go here.
Colton Ballet Company and artist Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman have joined forces for a special fundraiser. Porkchop has created a poster, and a limited number of prints will be sold at the performances.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News, has covered Augusta’s news for 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
