The 48th annual Nutcracker on Ice ran from Dec. 8 to 10 at the Robert Crown Community Center. The performance, a winter tradition to many skaters and coaches, involved ice skaters of all ages and skill levels working together in a community building experience.

Rachel Durango-Cohen, currently a junior at ETHS, played Dream Clara in this year’s production. She has been in the Nutcracker on Ice every year since she was two years old, not including the years of the COVID-19 pandemic, for a total of thirteen shows.

“In the past, I’ve had the opportunity to portray many great roles, including Young Clara and Fritz,” Durango-Cohen said. “Being Young Clara was a dream come true for me.”

Both of these roles, as well as the role of Dream Clara, are roles that young skaters always aspire to play. The role of Fritz was once played mostly by young boys, but Durango-Cohen managed to break this stereotype.

“I auditioned for and was chosen for the role of Fritz, making history as the first girl ever to portray the character,” said Durango-Cohen. “I’m proud to say that many girls have followed in my footsteps and taken on the role of Fritz since then.”

Throughout her many years of experience with the Nutcracker on Ice, Durango-Cohen has observed a sense of community between everyone involved in the process. This includes not only the friendships and connections between skaters, but coaches, choreographers, parents and many other people critical to the production as well.

“Through skating, I’ve formed great friendships and feel like I’m part of a supportive and nurturing community,” Durango-Cohen said.

Other skaters feel the same way about the friendships that are formed through the show every year.

“I like the Nutcracker because it gives me a lot of time with my friends,” said Francesca DeCastro, a freshman who played a Royal Guest this year. “It’s really fun.”

Lorenzo Elano, who played the Nutcracker Prince this year, echoed DeCastro’s thoughts.

“I love doing the show every year, it’s so much fun being with all my friends and in rehearsal,” said Elano.

The Nutcracker on Ice is not limited to one group of skaters like some other shows, and instead manages to include the whole Evanston community.

“My favorite thing about practicing and performing the Nutcracker is how it brings our community together. Skaters of all types—competitive, recreational, adults, and tots—join forces with our coaches to put on a great show for our families and community,” said Durango-Cohen.

“The performance was really captivating and everyone was included, from really young kids to older people,” said Emma Reese, a freshman at ETHS who attended this year’s show. “It was really nice to see such a great sense of community.”

Many skaters, coaches, parents and choreographers come back to the show every year as it becomes a tradition to them. One person who has played many of these roles is Jola Wesolowska-Mantilla; she is currently a skating coach and one of fourteen choreographers for this year’s Nutcracker, and her son also skated in the show for fourteen years before heading off to college. This year, Wesolowska-Mantilla worked on the seasonal production for her 34th time.

“Every single year we have the show and for all the skaters and coaches and staff it’s an important tradition,” Wesolowska-Mantilla said.

A lot of hard work goes into the Nutcracker each year before it can finally be performed. Every number must be choreographed and rehearsed, from solos to duets to large group performances. It can take a while, but the work is rewarding to participants in the end.

“We are always excited in the beginning of December, ready to work on the show,” said Wesolowska-Mantilla.

It isn’t just coaches and choreographers who have to put a lot of time and effort into the Nutcracker, but skaters as well. As they become more experienced, young skaters start to see the essential roles of the adults and older skaters in the performance.

“Now that I’m older and also involved in choreographing and coaching younger kids, I realize what a massive undertaking it is,” Durango-Cohen said. “It’s hard to believe that I only have one more year in the Nutcracker. The show leaves a lasting impact on everyone who participates, whether it’s a one-time experience or a childhood tradition like it is for me. The show becomes a part of who you are, and I hope the audience can share in that sense of connection and nostalgia as they watch this year’s performance.”