Visions of sugar plum fairies appeared in front of children as the Grand Rapids Ballet Company cast of ‘The Nutcracker’ made a special visit to Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
The Grand Rapids Ballet Company cast of 'The Nutcracker' made a special visit to Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Attila Mosolygo, who performs the role of Herr Drosselmeyer and narrates the production, handed out little nutcracker ornaments to patients after visiting with them. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
A cast member playing the role of a toy soldier steps out of the Child Life office after changing into costume. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Jordyn Williams, a 7-year-old receiving treatment at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, hold up the nutcracker ornament she had just received. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
A cast member, playing the role of a toy soldier holding a flag, stands on stage after the performance. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Jared Birman, 17, and his mother, Shaun, watch two cast members perform while Jared receives treatment. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Grand Rapids Griffins players Nathan Paetsch and Colin Campbell high-five the cast of 'The Nutcracker' as they pass each other in the hospital. The Griffins were at the hospital for a monthly visit with children. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Jae-onna Dentmond, 3, sits with her grandmother, Demetriss Beard, after receiving a nutcracker ornament. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Drosselmeyer waves to 6-year-old Maddie Pagel. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Jae-onna Dentmond, 3, watches as the Mouse King performs during the production. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Patients, family and staff gather to watch the performance by the cast of 'The Nutcracker.' (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
The Nutcracker Prince and Dosselmeyer pose for photos as the elevator doors shut. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
A cast member playing the role of Clara performs on stage at the Balk Cafe. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Brooklyn Anderson, 5, smiles as she looks down at her nutcracker ornament. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
The cast of 'The Nutcracker' performs. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Clara visits with Jae-onna. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
The cast of 'The Nutcracker' waits in line as they introduce themselves one by one on the 10th floor of the children's hospital. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Ben Waldvogel, playing the Nutcracker prince, stands on stage after the performance. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
The Nutcracker cast brought holiday cheer all throughout the hospital during their visit. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Visions of sugar plum fairies appeared in front of children as the Grand Rapids Ballet Company cast of ‘The Nutcracker’ made a special visit to Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
Dressed in full costume, the cast visited children on the 10th floor. They introduced themselves one at a time and then performed a short part of their dance routine for patients and staff to enjoy. They then reconvened in the Balk Cafe, where they put on a condensed version of the Nutcracker.
Attila Mosolygo, who performs the role of Herr Drosselmeyer and narrates the production, handed out little nutcracker ornaments to patients after visiting with them. As he handed one to 7-year-old Jordyn Williams, he whispered to her, “Here is a little gift from all of us so you will never forget our visit.”
My granddaughter, Emma Clark, was a ballerina with the Grand Rapids ballet for 8 years and is now a student at Michigan State, working part time at Spectrum. Both her parents are photographers for the hospital.
My granddaughter, Emma Clark, was a ballerina with the Grand Rapids ballet for 8 years and is now a student at Michigan State, working part time at Spectrum. Both her parents are photographers for the hospital.