Children look onward as members of SOMA Center for Dance’s cast perform “The Nutcracker” during a “sensory-friendly” show at the SOMA studio on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022.
(PHOTOS SUBMITTED)
By BRENNAN D. CRAIN, WCLU News
GLASGOW — Thanks to the work of a local dance company and two eager students, a slew of children were able to experience a holiday-themed show catered to their needs.
SOMA Center for Dance will present “The Nutcracker” this weekend at the Historic Plaza Theatre. Characteristic of holiday performances, the show normally features lights and longer dance numbers. But that was not the case Tuesday evening.
SOMA dancers donned their outfits and performed the show while the studio lights remained up, and seating choices were vast and dance numbers were shortened. The show was tagged as a “sensory-friendly” demonstration by one attendee.
“This gave the students an opportunity to be themselves and enjoy the ballet!” said Rachel Hinton in a message to WCLU News.
Students Olivia Rommes and Halle Spillman of North Jackson Elementary School worked to make the show a reality for several students. Hinton said the two had been working with students with exceptional needs for STLP, a group at school.
“I would love to see this published so we can repay SOMA for opening their doors for this event! They have nutcracker performances this upcoming weekend Saturday and Sunday!” Hinton said.
Tickets to the performance are $15 and are available online at historicplaza.com.
Trevor Edwards, the lead instructor at SOMA Center for Dance, was unavailable for comment when this story was last updated. We will update this story should we receive more information.
