Local boys on their toes
(in the new ‘Nutcracker’)

by BARBARA MALINSKY

The holiday season is upon us, and that means another “Nutcracker” makes

its debut at the Academy of Music. This year, thanks to an ambitious

all-boy program taught by Pennsylvania Ballet’s William DeGregory at the

Metropolitan Ballet Academy in Jenkintown, a substantial number of boys

will participate along with the girls in this holiday classic. Two local

lads, Ryan Merlini of Ambler and Bernard Stuetz (“B.J.”) of Glenside, take

center stage for this year’s performance, which runs through December 31.

Year after year dozens of little girls pin up their hair, stick it

under a hat and don boy’s clothing to portray the little rascals in the

party scene of Act I.  Every year, I secretly wish  more boys could

enjoy “The Nutcracker” experience. Wishing won’t make it so, but Lisa

Collins Vidnovic, artistic director of the Metropolitan Ballet Academy ,

has done something about it.  In 1999, the former Pennsylvania Ballet

dancer established a scholarship program for boys seven to 18

years of age.   William DeGregory, artistic director of Pennsylvania

Ballet II, runs the program and has a knack for reaching boys; every one

of them  praises his teaching style -  fun and action packed.

Twelve-year-old Ryan Merlini, a student at Sandy Run Middle School in Ambler,

reprises his role of Prince this year.  He  just returned from a week of

“Nutcracker” performances in Cleveland, where the Pennsylvania Ballet

appeared as a guest company.  There were some surprises in store for

him. “A lot of kids remembered me from last year; I’ve made great

friends with Michael Brown, the other Prince, and the two Maries from

the Rock School.” There were some adjustments to be made on the scaled

down stage, but everything turned out alright in the end.  “It’s a lot

different in Ohio because the stage is a lot smaller.  In one scene

Marie runs back, and she almost fell off the stage because she is used to

the Academy, but there weren’t any mistakes.”

A seasoned veteran after only two seasons, Ryan feels quite confident

after his Cleveland experience.  “Last year I was so nervous, but once I

got out there, it was just like rehearsal. My teacher is still Mr.

DeGregory;  Jeffrey Gribler and Christine Cox did a totally amazing job

of teaching us.  They teach the Philadelphia kids and then do it all over again with the Cleveland kids.”

Attending “The Nutcracker” has become a family tradition in the Merlini

household.  Last year 71 people from Ryan’s father’s family attended the

performance.  Jokingly, Ryan’s mother Carolyn said, “I think they picked

him to put the ballet in the black.”  (Ten members of Carolyn’s family

attended a performance on another evening.)  She added, “I can’t say

enough about Pennsylvania Ballet and these kids. The dancers aren’t

prima donnas; they work with them.  These are just normal kids

committed to doing their thing.”

Ten year old “B.J.,”  a fifth grader at Elkins Park Middle School,

started dance training when he was only four years old.  Born into a

musical family with mom and older sister Caitlin playing cello and dad

on accordion, he always liked anything to do with music.  When his

sisters began dance lessons at the Cassidy Dance Studio in Glenside,

“B.J.” was a tag-along who found out he liked it too.  He trained there

for a few years but was an “only boy.” Four years ago, his mother

discovered the all-boy program at Metropolitan.

“I always had Mr. De Gregory as a teacher.  He helps you and never gets

mad.  You have a lot of fun with him because he motivates you.”

DeGregory seems to have a way of channeling male energy, engaging the

students in creative movement.  “We jump over poles and do different

kinds of jumps; we do push ups too, which make me flexible.”  When he is

not dancing “B.J.” enjoys soccer, baseball, and math.  “Dance really helps

with sports.”

“This is such a thrill for them,” said his mother Carolyn.  “The seed

was planted when he was in second grade and saw his first ‘Nutcracker.’”

“B.J.” makes his debut this year as a Party Boy.   In that

role, there will be some small jumps when the children surround the

Christmas tree.   Although this is his first “Nutcracker”, he chats like

a seasoned professional, having danced in several neighborhood school

performances.   “I’m not really worried; when you hear the music, it all

comes together.”

“The Nutcracker” enchants children of all ages.  For ticket information,

call 215.551.7000.