More than 80 dancers in the Indianapolis School of Ballet will gracefully take the stage at the magnificent Scottish Rite Cathedral Theater to perform “The Nutcracker.”
However, one particular dancer will be making history as the first African-American dancer starring in the lead role of young Clara at the Indianapolis School of Ballet. Her name is Sydney Williams.
“I felt so happy when I found out I was playing the lead role. I was so happy that I screamed. I hugged my dad, my sister and my little brothers. I felt like I made it,” said Sydney.
The energetic 9-year-old student from Robey Elementary School explained that the dance scene from the production is one of the first dances she learned.
She will play the character of Clara, the young heroine of the famous ballet. In the story, Clara receives the Nutcracker as a present from her godfather Drosselmeyer at a Christmas party. Her fantasy adventures with the enchanted nutcracker, and the battle of the Mouse Queen will take the audience on a thrilling ride.
This is Sydney’s first lead role. The Pentecostal Church of God holds a state talent expo every year. There she has won the dance category for her age group two years in a row.
According to her mother, Kimberly Williams, Sydney has been dancing since she was 18-months-old when she memorized the choreography to every Wiggles dance, a popular children’s musical group.
Two years ago, as Sydney watched “The Nutcracker” for the first time, she pointed at Clara and said, “I want to do that.”
“She prayed about it, worked hard and here she is,” said Williams.
When Williams heard of her daughter playing the lead role, she was happy and worried because of her past.
Williams was the first Miss Clovis, an official preliminary to Miss California and Miss America, of African-American descent. The night she won people walked out when her name was announced.
“I know the pressure that comes along with being the first to accomplish something. I was happy that she was chosen, but worried about the pressure. My husband and I just want her to do what she does best, which is dance,” Williams explained.
Victoria Lyras artistic director and CEO of the Indianapolis School of Ballet says Sydney is perfect for the production experience.
“The dancer has to be able to act the story out through dance and Sydney does that,” Lyras said. “She’s a lovely dancer especially for her age and projects art in acting too. She was born to dance.”
Sydney will star in the production on Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. for Community Day and Dec. 22.
“It’s a heartwarming production for all ages. It’s a perfect holiday affair,” Lyras said.
Sydney imagines her future will be filled with lights, camera and dance.
When she grows up, she desires to be a professional dancer and to have her own fashion line.
Williams will be cheering her daughter on every step of the way. Revealing she is proud of her daughter’s character as well.
“Sydney is a very sweet girl inside and out. She loves God, her family and dance,” said Williams.
“I want my baby to just dance.”
“The Nutcracker”
Scottish Rite Cathedral Theater
650 N. Meridian St.
Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 22 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 23 at 3 p.m.
$12-$25 – Adult tickets
$12-$20 – Child, Student and Senior Citizen tickets
For ticket availability call (317) 955-7525 or visit Indyballet.org.
Imagine ‘The Nutcracker’ in a Victorian setting
Victorian Indianapolis is the setting for this sentimental holiday favorite. Beautiful scenery recreating the historic Morris-Butler House and exquisite costumes transport you to another time and place. Meet young Clara, her magical godfather and the enchanted Nutcracker as they battle the Mouse Queen and travel to the Land of the Sweets. Engaging choreography by Victoria Lyras, Robert Rodham, and George Balanchine has made this Nutcracker one of Indianapolis’ most charming and elegant productions. Make this your family’s holiday outing of the season.
