Julia Radu, a senior at Lincoln East, is playing Clara in this year’s Nutcracker at the Lied Center on December 16 and 17. The Nutcracker is put on every year by the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company and this year marks the 38th season.
Radu was chosen to play the leading role, Clara, and represents the dancing talent that has been seen from East for years. This is the sixth year in a row that the role of Clara has been played by a member of the Lincoln East dance team, the Apollonaires. Beginning in 2018, the following Apollonaires have held the lead role: Leah Andersen, Emma Luci, Maggie Oulianova, Lena Lankas, Clara Wolfe, and finally Julia Radu. Each year, approximately half the Apollonaire team participates in The Nutcracker, which poses its difficulties, but also demonstrates how hard working these girls are.
“It’s a challenge for sure, but these athletes have incredible balance (on and off the dance floor), so they truly know how to make it work,” Lincoln East Apollonaire coach Sarah Hartman said.
Radu is obviously a talented dancer given she was chosen for the lead role. However, this isn’t her first go-around. This will be her eighth year participating in The Nutcracker, previously holding various roles. Radu has been a dancer since she was 3 or 4 years old and is currently a captain of the Apollonaire team. She also dances at a studio outside of school and is a member of NHS.
“Julia was born to play Clara in The Nutcracker,” Hartman said. “Julia is an incredibly talented ballerina with great poise, grace, and strong technique. I know she has worked so hard for this opportunity. I am so proud of Julia, and I cannot wait to watch her shine on stage in this role.”
With the preparations beginning in October, Radu and the rest of the cast have been putting in countless hours perfecting their techniques. As showtime approaches, the dancers finish up their final preparations for the show.
“I’m so excited to perform this role, and grateful that I’ve gotten this opportunity,” Radu said.
Make sure to check out The Nutcracker at the Lied Center on December 16 or 17 for a magical night.
