Forrest Buehler takes on lead role in Southwest Virginia Ballet’s production of ‘The Nutcracker’
The Floyd community is invited to get tickets to see Buehler in the lead role of Clara.
Floyd County eighth grader Forrest Buehler steps into the lead role of Clara in Southwest Virginia Ballet’s (SVB) production of “The Nutcracker” at the Berglund Center Dec. 12-14.
SVB is a nonprofit dance company in Roanoke that provides pre-professional dancers with free lessons as long as membership requirements are met and skill levels are demonstrated. This year’s run of “The Nutcracker” will include a live orchestra and new choreography to mark SVB’s 35th anniversary presentation.
Buehler, who has been a member of SVB for four years and dancing since she was three, is the daughter of Justin and Kara, and sister to Reef and Hawk. She said Nutcracker Season is her favorite time of the year because she loves “dancing and having rehearsals with my friends and seeing how the whole production comes together.”
Preparation for the classic show starts in August, SVB Executive Producer Elizabeth Francis said, and dancers “had to really jump into focused rehearsals as we have a new Artistic Director (Laurence Blake) and much new choreography.”
She noted that shows “absolutely take a village” to produce and calls on “every dancer, Board member, and volunteer” to be a success.
Francis said that Buehler is the “perfect choice” for portraying Clara, the main character who receives a magical Nutcracker as a gift and is transported to the Land of Sweets. “She's graceful both on and off the stage and exhibits maturity beyond her years in her performances,” Francis added.
Buehler has trained with Miami City Ballet and most recently completed a month of dancing during the summer at Nashville Ballet, according to her mother, Kara.
The Floyd community is invited to get tickets to see Buehler in her lead role. Kara said that, in the past, Forrest’s teachers and principals have attended to show their support.
“Ballet and the arts can be overlooked, but it’s nice to take the time to appreciate the beautiful things in life,” Buehler said. “I hope people who see the show feel the magic of the holiday season and appreciate the music and dancing, and see the time and effort put into the performance.”
There are three opportunities to see SVB’s “The Nutcracker” this year: at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12; and at 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13-14. Tickets range in price from about $18 for children to $70 for adults, depending on seat location; everyone older than two years old is required to have their own ticket. Community members can add on VIP tickets for a behind-the-scenes look at the show, including Clara’s Sleigh, for $30. Parking passes are $10.
Find a seating chart and purchase tickets at www.svballet.org. The Berglund Center is located at 710 Williamson Rd. NE in Roanoke. With questions, call SVB at (540) 387-3978 or email info@svballet.org.