Joanne Leary and Morgan Poole stand outside dance class.

By: Ashley Amthor

What do the Kremlin, Sputnik, and The Nutcracker have in common? They all originated from Russia. Knightdale students Joanne Leary and Morgan Poole performed The Nutcracker on December 15 as the main roles the Rat King and the Nutcracker respectively. These talented girls were picked for the roles after auditioning in the beginning of the school year.

Poole began dancing at the age of eight. Her main inspiration was her older sister whom she watched dance and perform while growing up. Leary started dancing when she was thirteen. She gained experience by dancing in her church, but she craved more as she entered high school.

These girls have been rehearsing since the beginning of September for the upcoming dance recital. The Nutcracker, a classic that is performed traditionally for the holidays, is a story about a girl who receives a doll (the nutcracker) from a family member that is sadly broken by her brother. She falls asleep next to the Christmas tree with the doll in her arms and dreams that the doll comes to life as a prince. Poole shares, “The Nutcracker has always been a tradition for my family and I hope it becomes a tradition for other families, too.” “It is the Knights’ twist on the classical Nutcracker. It’s going to be a great show,” says Leary.

If you like seeing live performances you should come to Knightdale High School on December 15th and watch The Nutcracker.