Mid Ohio Valley Nutcracker performance features Meigs County student

Elena Musser will perform in the Schrader Youth Ballet Company's presentation of the "Nutcracker." Submitted photo. — Elena Musser will perform in the Schrader Youth Ballet Company’s presentation of the “Nutcracker.” Submitted photo.

MID OHIO VALLEY – A Meigs County resident will be taking the stage this weekend as “Columbine” in the Nutcracker as preformed by the Schrader Youth Ballet Company.

Elena Musser, 17, of Pomeroy will dance the role of Columbine in the first act of the Schrader Youth Ballet production of “The Nutcracker (Clara’s Dream)” on Saturday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Smoot Theatre in Parkersburg, West Virginia and again on Sunday, December 18 at 3 p.m. at the Peoples Bank Theatre in Marietta, Ohio. She will also be performing the Waltz of the Snowflakes in the second act.

“I have been studying ballet with Schrader Youth Ballet Company in Parkersburg since eighth grade. I truly love ballet and can’t imagine my life without it. It is such a beautiful form of art and expression,” Musser said.

Musser along with the rest of the Schrader Youth Ballet Company will do two performances. For Musser, it is has been a journey doing something she loves.

Musser practices for this weekend's performance. Submitted photo. — Musser practices for this weekend’s performance. Submitted photo.

“I feel so alive while dancing and I am absolutely ecstatic to perform in my final high school Nutcracker. I am performing Columbine in the first act, and the Spanish variation and Waltz of the Snowflakes in the second act. I love all of my roles and can’t wait until the show,” she said.

Musser is passionate about the arts. Musser has a love for music as well. She has been field commander with the Meigs Marching Marauders for the past two years. She also sings with the choir at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pomeroy.

Musser will be “Ariel” in the Meigs High School Drama Club’s presentation of “The Little Mermaid” in the spring. Previously in the Drama Club, she performed as “Dragon” in “Shrek! The Musical” and “Marty” in “Grease.” She also has performed with the River City Players in ensemble roles.

In addition to performing arts, Musser started as the only member of the Meigs High School Swim Team. There are now three girls on the Meigs Swim Team.

Velma Schrader founded the Schrader Youth Ballet Company remains under her direction. Schrader has been teaching dance for 50 years. The company is a non-profit, supported by ticket sales, donations, fundraisers, grants and tuition. Tickets are still available. For ticket information, call 304-422-PLAY for the performance on Saturday. For information on the performance Sunday visit www.peoplesbanktheatre.com.