By Erin Albanese | The Grand Rapids Press

Backstage at the Nutcracker ballet, two little ballerinas practiced their arabesques, sautés and chasses amid fancy costumes, life-sized mice and skirted dancers. With toes pointed and smiles bright, Annah (cq) Huisman, 10, and Maggie Fischer, 15, demonstrated the steps and jumps they’ve learned in class, their excitement bubbling as they talked in unison about participating as “party girls,” walking on stage during the Grand Rapids Ballet Company’s production of the Christmas staple.

Read the story at MLive | Published: December 10, 2011