Ella Knowles and Eden Popwell appeared as ‘Clara’ Andalusia Ballet’s annual production “The Nutcracker”

The Andalusia Ballet will treat audiences yet again during the holiday season with their regular production “The Nutcracker.”

It is the 33rd year of the classic holiday show, Andalusia Ballet brings to life the story of a little girl who longs to be the nutcracker prince, who fights The Mouse King.

In the cast for this year’s production is Ella Knowles and Eden Popwell Two Andalusia Ballet students to be part of the part of Clara.

“Both the girls possess an inherent talent. When you perform something well, you are likely to be happy about it and strive to improve on it more,” said Meryane Martin Murphy the director of artistic and founder of Andalusia Ballet.

Ella Knowles, 11, is a home school sixth grade pupil in Brewton who has been studying ballet from the age of three The last three years in Andalusia Ballet through an outreach program in conjunction with Brewton YMCA. Brewton YMCA.

“We watched Ella for a long time and were super excited to see her join us for the Andalusia lessons,” Murphy said.

For Ella to play her role as Clara was an ambition she had set for herself right from the beginning.

“We have always come here to see “The Nutcracker,” and I’ve always wanted play the sugar plum fairy and Clara. It was the reason I decided to begin ballet. After I began, I knew that this was something I would like to pursue,” Ella said.

“This is an incredible honor and I’m ecstatic to take on this. It’s a huge chance and an enormous obligation,” she said.

Training begins with the “The Nutcracker” to be performed in October.

Ella was a part in “The Nutcracker” for five years.

“Practices can be difficult but they’re enjoyable, too,” she said. “You are dancing with other dancers. The joy of dancing with your friends is always enjoyment,” Ella said.

Ella is the child of Tiffany Knowles and Lee Knowles. She has a sister named Mattie Knowles, who is nine years old who is also an student in Andalusia Ballet and will be the party model in “The Nutcracker” and a brother named Carter Knowles, 4.

Ella stated that her favorite part in her favorite part of Nutcracker is the scene at the party. “The scene is a combination of acting and dance, and it involves everyone of all ages in dance and is a lot of enjoyable.”

This year, she’s having fun learning from people who have experienced Clara’s role. Clara.

“Being with the elder Claras and learning dance moves from them is a lot of fun. They are able to pass their knowledge down to our students,” she said.

In addition to ballet Ella likes to do handwork as well as playing play hide and seek in the woods with my whole family, spending time with friends, and attempting to learn piano.

As well as acting as Clara will perform as Clara will Eden Popwell, 12, an eighth grader at Andalusia Elementary School.

For Eden dancing and ballet is a tradition in the family. The aunt of her, Laura Wells, assists as an instructor at Andalusia Ballet.

“I began when I was just 2 years old. My dad and aunt did dance. Every member of my family wanted to take part in that, and many of my cousins are doing it also,” Eden said.

Eden said she is happy with her friendships with other dancers on the dance floor at Andalusia Ballet and the comradery among dancers.

“I am a fan of being with my friends and learning about new things. I love trying my best, and we strive to be better. I am a huge fan of pointe.” Eden said.

As a “little party girl’ at around two years old, Eden will be performing in its ninth “Nutcracker” performance this year.

“My favourite thing about ‘The Nutcracker’ watching all the big girls dance their dances, and then trying to master these dances for myself. I also enjoy spending time with the younger children and helping them out,” she said.

Eden hopes to be a part of other highly sought-after Nutcracker parts.

“I would like to play the role of the fairy tree I believe it is a lot of fun and a privilege to have that. I also want to be a sugar plum. The dance is amazing and enjoyable,” Eden said.

If she’s not in the dance studio Eden likes spending time with her friends, swimming, singing, and acting.

Eden is the child of Heather Cleland and Luke Popwell. Her stepfather is Nick Cleland and she has four brothers: Trenton, Mitchell, Noah Adam, and Adam.

Murphy stated that both Eden as well as Ella have improved as dancers and are now ready to perform for this year’s “Nutcracker” shows.

“We have been watching them for years and they’re at an excellent point in their development of their techniques. Both have an excellent stage presence and they work hard. They’re perfect to play Clara,” Murphy said.

Every year brings a new group of dancers in take on the role of Clara The one who has performed consistently was Eric Lidh, who will return to the stage in the role of Herr Drosselmeyer.

“Our dancers are enthralled by working with Eric whom we have called our Drosselmeyer throughout the years. This is the 41st season at Andalusia Ballet, and Eric has been a part of many shows, including the Nutcracker throughout the years,” Martin said.

Eden, Ella and the remaining members from “The Nutcracker” group will present the ballet on Thursday, December. 7 starting at 7 p.m. on Friday December. 8 starting at 7 p.m. Then on the Saturday of December. 9 on the 9th of December at two p.m. and then in the evening at 7 p.m. The performances will take place at the LBW Community College’s Martha and Solon Dixon Center of Performing Arts. Tickets can be purchased on the internet at andalusiaballet.com as well as at lbwcc.edu/events. For more details call 334-222-6620.

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