Aiken Civic Ballet hosts Nutcracker Tea fundraiser

Dec. 17—The Aiken Civic Ballet's annual Nutcracker Tea was a hit again this year, giving children a chance to experience the magic of the Nutcracker Ballet in a fraction of the time.

"This is one of our biggest events of the year," said Aiken Civic Ballet board member Susan Jasani about the dance company's holiday fundraiser. "The great thing about the tea is, it caters to the younger crowd. So for the little ones who can't really sit through the main performances, it's a really fun experience for them to get to come and ... see short snippets from each act."

While all children are welcome, Jasani noted that the event is most loved by little girls who come with their mothers and grandmothers.

"It's just a really sweet time," she added.

Dianne Goodson, event co-chair and Aiken Civic Ballet board member, spoke about the significance of the event.

"It's become tradition," she said. "We've been doing it for years. ...It's been fun for everybody."

While the event normally precedes the dance company's Nutcracker performance as a way to promote it, this year the tea came after the official production. However, the tea rooms were still full, and families were just as excited to participate.

Dancers from the studio took turns performing fragments of their numbers after guests were served tea and finger foods. Several former dancers who had graduated from the dance company returned to help serve food and drinks.

One of these was Mattie Mclain, the company's longest-standing sugarplum fairy.

"Being a part of the company was probably ... the best time in my life," she said. According to Mclain, you watch other girls dance the roles you want, and "when you finally get that experience it's ... surreal."

"Dance will always have a part of my heart," she said.

Another company graduate, Madelyn Smith, is now teaching ballet and tap .

"I'm so thankful that I still get to come back and participate in this event," she said. "I hope to keep dancing in my life forever, and I love teaching."

Former company dancer Althea Bascos said that being involved with the Nutcracker Tea makes her feel like a "Disney character."

Yochabel Parungao, who graduated from the company after dancing since the age of 3, said: "It's the next generation's turn, and they're doing amazing with it. I love just getting to help them ... because they're still my friends, like my family."

The company will put on a similar event — Fairytale Tea — on April 20, 2024.