Courtesy of DMS PhotographyThis isn't your typical interpretation of Tchaikovsky The Nutcracker with little girls and boys dancing around the stage or Prima Ballerinas Dancing the role of a lifetime. Instead every single character is played by dogs!
What started off as a way to bring Holiday cheer to the patients these dogs were already visiting regularly has turned into a performance so big they had to move to two separate Middle School Auditoriums and hold 4 shows! The dogs taking part in the event have been training for a year to dance and move around the stage to the beat of the music at some points completely off leash and their handlers offstage. A year ago they started to learn the basics in order to be able to participate in this event -- taking a bow, spinning, backing up and staying in place.
While these dogs will be bringing smiles to faces old and young during their performance run they are not all wags and kisses about their costumes. To get used to their costumes some of the dancers are starting to wear them now while they are eating in order to get used to them and associate them with good things. Wouldn't want the SugarPlum Fairy to shake their costume off and dance around the stage in only their fur coat.At least the Nutcracker Prince Baily the Shi Tzu seems to be taking his role in stride as much can't be said of Tex the Labrador playing the Mouse King he looks pretty grumpy.
Courtesy of DMS Photography
A Canine Version of The Nutcracker SOLD OUT!
Where: Glen Crest Middle School, 725 Sheehan Ave., Glen EllynWhen: 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 20
Herrick Middle School, 4435 Middaugh Ave., Downers GroveWhen: 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 11
Each performance lasts about 45 minutes
How much: $5. All proceeds benefit the PAWSitive Therapy Troupe animal-assisted therapy program
Contact: www.pawsitivetherapy.com
Pets for Vets / PAWSitive Therapy Troupe: is a not-for-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to sharing registered therapy dogs with individuals during their stays in health care facilities, schools or municipal courts— working in conjunction with the health care or educational teams to improve quality of life.
If you already have tickets and would like to share your experience with us as a Guest Poster and photographer please email me twolittlecavaliers{@}gmail.com. If you are going and your child would like to write what they thought of the experience we are happy to post it too.