Cream Ridge dancer to solo in ‘Nutcracker’

By TAYLOR M. LIER
Staff Writer

UPPER FREEHOLD — It is every young ballerina’s dream to dance under the spotlight in front of an appreciative audience, and for Ayla Eilert, 16, of the Cream Ridge section of Upper Freehold Township, it is becoming reality as she will perform a solo in the New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble’s production of “The Nutcracker.”

The holiday classic with music by Peter Tchaikovsky will be performed at the Wilkins Theatre at Kean University, Union, at 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 13, and at 2 p.m. Dec. 14.

The ensemble’s artistic director, Nancy Turano, is choreographing the show, according to a press release. The ballet features 65 dancers between the ages of 7 and 18 from throughout New Jersey.

Ayla, who started ballet at the age of 5, said she had a passion for ballet and dance.

“My mom wanted to put me in dance lessons when I was 3, but at the time there were not a lot of classes for people my age so I started with gymnastics. Once I was old enough, I enrolled in ballet and discovered a deeper love for it,” Ayla said.

Prior to performing with the ensemble, Ayla attended Princeton Ballet School and Princeton Dance and Theater Studio in Princeton, Ballet Technique in Hamilton, Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, Mass., and Central New Jersey Ballet in Bordentown.

Ayla’s mother, Amy, began to learn more about the New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble and the ballet opportunities the ensemble offers and suggested to Ayla that she continue her dance studies with the group.

“My mom thought it would be fun to do, and the programs (the ensemble offers) are really great. I think the dancers get a lot out of it … ” the young woman said.

In the ensemble’s upcoming performance of “The Nutcracker,” Ayla will be performing two solos for the parts of Arabian and Lead Marzipan. Ayla will also be dancing the roles of Snowflake, Spanish and Rose Waltz.

“The Arabian solo is slow and sensual, but fun to dance to. The Marzipan part is a bit of the opposite with a more upbeat and happy feel to it, and I like that one, too, because it keeps me on my toes,” Ayla said.

In order for someone to become a skilled and talented dancer, training and classes must be taken. Those obligations may conflict with other priorities, but Ayla, who is a home-schooled student in 11th grade, said juggling school and dance is something she finds easy and does not mind doing.

“I love juggling school and dance because it helps me with my schoolwork. Dancing gives me an opportunity to stay active and release my stresses,” she said.

Being on stage can cause some anxiety and fear, according to Ayla, who said, “I always feel nervous before I head out on stage because I always think the worst is going to happen and I will trip or go blank, but once I start to dance, I lose myself.”

As the young dancer prepares for the future, Ayla said she hopes that what she has learned thus far by dancing with the ensemble helps her in her journey.

“My goal is to one day get into a company and dance as my career, and I think my experiences so far have prepared me to be where I want to be. The program here is really nice because it transforms dancers and gives them really great confidence, and I think that can help you out in life whether you decide to try out for a company or go to college,” Ayla said.

Tickets for “The Nutcracker” at Kean University are $30 for adults and $20 for senior citizens and children. For more information, call 908-737-7469.