Christmas time is one of the most popping times of the year. Black Friday and Cyber Monday invites shoppers to take advantage of sales and get their Christmas shopping done early. Families prepare for visits from relatives and the big Christmas feast. One famous tradition of Christmas is the Nutcracker Suite ballet by the Lone Star Ballet. Junior Alexis Stroud steps onto the stage for a sold-out crowd, nerves tingling. Everyone is staring at her as she performs the part of Clara, the lead role in The Nutcracker.

            Stroud said she has played in The Nutcracker for four years, playing parts such as a party girl and snow angel. In 2011, she said she played the Spanish corps, Snow corps, Maid and the Gumdrop Princess. She has played Clara before, in 2006, and she said she has earned the privilege to play Clara again.

            “I feel honored because it is the lead role,” Stroud said. “I found out Nov. 2 at the Lone Star Ballet Studio. They posted it on the outside doors providing room for the large crowd waiting to view the cast list.”

            Stroud has been with the Lone Star Ballet since she was 16. She said she loves being with them because of the bonding experience and feels as if they have been together their whole lives.

            “I enjoy meeting all new people and spending so much time with them,” Stroud said. “I get a huge sense of belonging, mostly because we spend multiple hours a day with each other.”

            Stroud said the Nutcracker cast practices together at least two hours on weekdays and more on the weekends. Practice for them means warm-ups, the stage and spacing, and practicing her part. During their theatre week, the cast practices from 4:30 to 11:30 every day.

            “[Theatre week] is so much fun,” Stroud said. “I love being at the Civic Center and getting the feel for the real performance. It is so magical.”

            Stroud said she isn’t sure what her dance plans are for after high school.

            “I would love to pursue dance professionally but I don’t know if it will all work out,” Stroud said.

            The Nutcracker performance will run Dec. 7 at 8:00 p.m., Dec. 8 at 3:00 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Dec. 9 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

            “I couldn’t help but be so excited to [play Clara] again because I loved it the first time and I am delighted to have the privilege to do it again,” Stroud said.