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Dec. 22, 2023: Dancer makes Colorado Ballet history as Clara; the story of an ‘American St. Nick’

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48min 42sec
231213-BLACK-NUTCRACKER-BALLERINA
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
In taking the lead role of Clara, ballerina Sheridan Guerin became the Colorado Ballet’s first Black woman to be cast in the role for its annual performance of “The Nutcracker.” Photographed during a rehearsal at the company’s Armstrong Center for Dance in Denver.

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For Sheridan Guerin, playing Clara in the Nutcracker is a dream come true as the first Black ballerina to do so in Colorado Ballet history. Then, the story of Richard Brookins, who became known as the "American St. Nick" in the tiny town of Wiltz, Luxembourg in World War II and years after. And Denver singer/songwriter René Moffatt's new song, "My First Christmas (without you)."