Friday, January 17, 2025
This year is no exception, as the all-girls Catholic high school prepares to enchant audiences with a unique, student-led rendition of the classic ballet. With the school celebrating its 75th anniversary, the performance is a testament to tradition, talent, and teamwork.
Sacred Heart Academy’s Nutcracker stands apart from other productions on Long Island. The students direct every aspect of the show, from choreography to stage management. Rockville Centre resident Annie Melia, a 2008 alumna and director of the production for the past two years, takes pride in this distinctive approach.
Melia’s connection to The Nutcracker runs deep. She first performed in the production as an eight-year-old and returned to Sacred Heart as director when the school needed someone to take the reins. While she has many responsibilities including volunteering her time at the Long Beach Humane Society in Island Park, she loves being a part of the tradition.
“It's become such a staple in the community each year,” Melia said. “We had one teacher who took it on because she didn't want to see it die and it’s the same thing with me. I wear many hats and this isn't my full-time job. I had some time last year and it can't happen if we don't have someone here to run it and we can't let it die. Of course, I've gotten attached to the girls and so each year I come back to do it.”
The show’s rich history extends beyond the high schooler students performing this year. Younger dancers from Tap to Pointe Dance Center in Malverne, where Melia herself trained as a child, join the cast to play angels, which they have done for 30 years. One of the earliest productions of The Nutcracker on Long Island, Sacred Heart’s version traditionally debuts the weekend before Thanksgiving.
“We have so many people who've come each year because they love for it to be the way that they kick off the holiday season, especially with their kids,” Melia said. “We see alumni and parents returning year after year. The Sunday show is always sold out because everyone loves to bring their little ones.”
Each year, four students are selected to lead the production: two co-presidents, who play the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen, and two vice presidents, who portray Clara and The Nutcracker.
Preparation for The Nutcracker begins in early September, as students juggle daily rehearsals with their academic responsibilities. The dedication is evident in every detail, from the costumes to the transitions between scenes. Parents even provide meals during long evening rehearsals.
“It's great to see how they build the production,” Melia said of the students. “Although it's the same music every year, they put their spin on it. We change the costumes a little bit every year. They have different roles every year and it's exciting to see them reimagining everything each year.”
The annual production of The Nutcracker Ballet takes place at Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead on Nov. 22 and 23 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at sacredheartacademyli.org.
