In Hempstead, Sacred Heart Academy’s 36th annual production of “The Nutcracker” returns in Nov. 14-16 for the holiday season. The all-girls Catholic high school are the first to perform the traditional ballet classic on Long Island in a fully student-led production.
From choreography to costumes, the show is entirely in students’ hands. Dancers manage stage direction, choreography, and the overall vision, shaping the production into their own creative interpretation. Teachers step in only to provide guidance and support.
“I think of myself more as a conduit for the girls,” said Annie Melia, one of the show’s moderators, who works alongside Sam Toohey. “I help them during dress rehearsals. I’m basically the adult in the room. But I really want it to be their show. We really want it to be student-led.”
Melia, a 2008 Sacred Heart alumna and Rockville Centre resident, once danced in “The Nutcracker” herself. She remembers looking up to the older students who led the production and now, in her third year as moderator, she enjoys guiding a new generation.
“I remember the girls who were here when I performed — the presidents who gave us notes and reminders like, ‘remember your ballet shoes’ or ‘don’t miss rehearsal,’” she said. She explained that productions are always stronger when students lead and support one another.
For sisters Gabriella Spinelli, a junior, and Nicole Spinelli, a sophomore, the production has become a family tradition. They grew up watching their older sister perform, and both joined the cast during their freshman year.
“Being an upperclassman, it’s a special part of me,” said Gabriella, who also serves as a choreographer. “I’ve been with “The Nutcracker” for three years now, and it’s become part of my Sacred Heart experience.”
Nicole shared her sister’s sentiment. “I feel closer to everyone in my grade and in the older grades,” she said. “It’s like a family, and we’re all connected.”
While the performance follows the traditional storyline, it evolves each year, shaped by the creativity and collaboration of its young performers.
“This year, some of the Act II dances were rearranged to mirror the New York City Ballet version,” Gabriella said. “We wanted it to feel more traditional while still making it our own.”
Nicole, who dances in “Maids,”, “Candy Cane” and “Ginger”, said the changing cast and choreography keep the show fresh.
As opening night approaches, rehearsals often stretch until 6 p.m., and during “dinner week,” until 8 p.m. Parents help by providing meals to fuel long practice sessions.
“It’s definitely hard at times, especially for the choreographers,” Gabriella said. “This year the show is a week earlier, so we’ve had less time. But everyone works together to make sure it’s the best show possible.”
This year also marks a milestone for Anna Demos, a sophomore who will perform on pointe for the first time. Pointe dancing requires strength, balance, and precision. Demos started pointe in seventh grade and trains rigorously every day, balancing practice with schoolwork.
“I normally come into school early to study,” she said. “At lunch I eat for 10 minutes and then do homework. It’s all about time management.”
For Gabriella, her choreographer role focuses on helping dancers feel confident on stage. “If someone can’t do a double turn, I’ll make it a single. At the end of the day, it’s about fun and putting on a good performance.”
Under Melia’s guidance, Sacred Heart’s Nutcracker continues to grow, supported by parent fundraisers and alumni contributions. New additions this year include upgraded mouse heads, a Rat King costume, and a marzipan outfit.
“We try to be one percent better every year,” Melia said. “It’s amazing to watch how much they grow, not just as dancers but as people.”
For Gabriella, Nicole, and their classmates, the production is about more than pointe shoes and pirouettes.
“I’d describe “The Nutcracker” as friendship and tradition,” Gabriella said. “It’s a community of people who love to dance and have fun together. Every year we look forward to it — it’s just part of who we are.”
To purchase SHA "The Nutcracker" tickets visit, tinyurl.com/SHANutcracker25, cost is $15 online and $20 at the door.
