Starting at a young age, senior Nadine Peck has been involved in the sport of ballet. In previous years, she’s decided to take her ballet career a step further by performing in “The Nutcracker,” and this year is no exception. She will be taking up the part of a reindeer at the Kauffman Center through the Kansas City Ballet Company.

“[Performing in the Nutcracker] has always been a tradition of mine,” Peck said. “And I enjoy doing it with the holiday spirit and all.”

Peck said she appreciates being able to leave the audience with a lasting impact of joy and bringing the community together. However, the holiday spirit isn’t the only thing Peck likes about performing around this time of year. She said she always looks forward to putting on makeup with her friends, and just seeing herself and the show all come together.

“[My favorite part is] being with all my friends and memories I’ve made with them through dance,” Pecks said.

Senior Addison Bahr saw Peck in the Nutcracker last year, and she said she’s excited to watch her perform again this year. Bahr said she enjoys watching Peck do what she loves.

“I think it’s really really cool that she’s part of something that’s actually professional dance and it’s kind of like a job,” Bahr said. “And I think it’s really great that I get to go and support her.”

Peck said she is thankful for her friends’ support and she’s also excited about the new friends and opportunities the ballet has brought her. Peck said she hopes she’s able to continue performing for others.

“Given the opportunity to perform is a privilege,” Peck said. “So I’m very thankful to have that and just gaining that performance quality and experience.”