Hark! The herald angels sing. (Photo by Taylored Moments)

While other ballet companies hold annual performances of “The Nutcracker” for Christmas, the Macholah Ballet, a Christian dance studio located in Scott Depot, captures the emotions of the very first Christmas. For ten years, the studio has been putting on “The Nativity,” which tells about the birth of Christ through song, dance, and spoken narration. This year’s production was held on December 9 and 10 at King’s River Ministries in St. Albans.

“This is a special year for The Macholah Ballet,” says Lauren Brotsky, who operates the studio. “We are celebrating our 10th year of performing The Nativity Ballet and our 20th year as a studio!”

“The Nativity Ballet is performed by our high school aged, pre-professional level dancers,” says Brotsky. “This is an audition-based program for dancers ages 12 and up who wish to use their gift of dance to minister to others. We don’t compete or go after trophies or awards; instead, we hope to cultivate ministry minder performers who want to share the good news of the Gospel through dance.

“The Nativity Ballet has been toured throughout the state of West Virginia and now seeks to remain local as our gift to the community. Because we desire to bless our community and share the gospel through ballet, there is no admission fee.”

Brotsky would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Macholah dancers. “We have four graduating seniors we’d like to recognize: Kate Grant, Aliah Robinson, Abigail Rock and Avery Carter. These four dancers have been a special part of our dance family and have grown into wonderful, strong young ladies. We wish them the very best as they start a new chapter of their lives!”

The Macholah Ballet is located beside Save-A-Lot in Scott Depot. The studio offers classes in jazz, ballet, tap, and lyrical. It is also one of the few studios in the local area which offers classes for adults.