General Parade Information 2024

Franklin Christmas Parade

The Nutcracker Twist

General Information 2024

Dress Rehearsal – Friday, December 6, 2024, 5-6pm at Shining Starz

Please come dressed in costume, no makeup needed.

(Mini Snowflakes, Angels & Children’s Choir will not need to attend.)

Parade Date – Saturday, December 7, 2024

Parade Cast Call Time – 11am

Parade Showtime – 1pm

Parade Staging area & End – Jim Warren Park & potentially staging areas of Hwy 96. Our specific area will be given to us closer to parade time.

*Participants are to be dropped off & Picked up at our staging area.

*No vehicles or floats are to be parked on the grass at Jim Warren Park. 

Doing so will result in a fine from the city of Franklin.

**Dismantling of the floats takes place immediately after the parade at The Amors house. We could use as many people, especially Dads, as possible!

*Optional

Parade Potluck Gathering

Food, Fellowship, Parade Preparation & Prayer

Location:

The Amors

2340 Henpeck Lane

Franklin, TN 37064

Saturday, November 2nd

1pm – Erect Tent, Build & Prepare Props

5:00pm – Dinner, Prayer & Fellowship

*Please bring a dish to share & wear clothes that can get dirty.

RSVP – 615-497-0582 – let us know who & how many will be coming.

Parade Coordinator – Jennifer Amor, TXT – 615-497-0582, Jenniferamor71@gmail.com

Parade Assistant – Madison Comstock, madisoncomstock@gmail.com

Parade Props Specialist & Scene Staging– Lita Miranda

Parade Choreographer Coordinator – Mariah Gorman

Parade Costume Design – Samantha Krikac

Parade Costume Coordinator – Mandy Reutter, reutters@gmail.com

Cast Costumes

Cast List – Costumes 2024

Maid 1 – Victorian Maid outfit & black shoes. https://a.co/d/bavqP7s

Maid 2 – Victorian Maid outfit & black shoes. https://a.co/d/bavqP7s

6 Dance Couples – Dickens of a Christmas Christmas party attire & matching shoes. Full Costumes or piece a costume together with a skirt, shirt, shall, etc… We’ve found many options on Amazon. Key words are “civil war”, “Dickens of a Christmas”, “Christmas Caroler”. Do check reviews. Here are a few links below. For more information & costume approval contact Mandy – reutters@gmail.com

https://a.co/bTYWawb

https://a.co/d/4da279V

https://a.co/d/9DzxZP

Truck Driver 1 – TBA

Child Dancers –  Dancer will need to provide pink tights, black lace up boots & arrive in tennis shoes. The studio will provide the Party Dress, Bloomers & Bow for a rental fee of $25. Full Stage Make-up, Hair Half Up/Half Down with ringlets at bottom. See Party Children below.

Uncle Luke – Dickens of a Christmas Party Attire – See above photo  

Party Children – Dancer will need to provide pink tights, ballet shoes & arrive in tennis shoes. The studio will provide the Party Dress, Bloomers & Bow for a rental fee of $25. Full Stage Make-up, Hair Half Up/Half Down with ringlets at bottom.

*TN weather varies from year to year during parade time; cold, cool, warm, rainy, snowy, etc… All weather options to add to the costume to keep dancer warm in the event of very cold temps or wet conditions will need to match the colors of the costume, such as long sleeves, mittens, ear muffs, coats & blankets.

Clara 1 – Dancer will need to provide pink tights, ballet shoes & arrive in tennis shoes. The studio will provide the Clara Party Dress, Bloomers & Blue Bow for a rental fee of $25. Full Stage Make-up, Hair Half Up/Half Down with ringlets at bottom. 

*TN weather varies from year to year during parade time; cold, cool, warm, rainy, snowy, etc… All weather options to add to the costume to keep dancer warm in the event of very cold temps or wet conditions will need to match the colors of the costume, such as long sleeves, mittens, ear muffs, coats & blankets.

Tractor Driver – TBA

Mice – Boys – Dancer will need to provide gray turtleneck, sweatshirt or hoodie, gray pants or gray sweatpants & black, white or grey tennis shoes. The studio will provide mouse ears. Mice Makeup – Nose and whiskers.

Mice – Girls – Dancer will need to provide gray turtleneck, sweatshirt or hoodie, gray pants or gray sweatpants & black, white or grey tennis shoes. The studio will provide mouse ears. Stage Makeup plus Mice Makeup – Nose and whiskers. 

*TN weather varies from year to year during parade time; cold, cool, warm, rainy, snowy, etc… All weather options to add to the costume to keep dancer warm in the event of very cold temps or wet conditions will need to match the colors of the costume, such as long sleeves, turtlenecks, mittens, gloves, scarves & coats. 

Mouse King – Studio will provide costume. Performer will need to provide black pants & black tennis shoes. See photo of Nutcracker & Mouse.

Nutcracker 1 – Nutcracker Costume provided by studio. (Red Coat, Blue Shirt, Head & Boot covers.) Performer will need to provide black pants, comfortable black tennis shoes.

Clara 2 – Dancer will need to provide pink tights, ballet shoes & arrive in tennis shoes. The studio will provide the Clara Nightgown, Bloomers & Blue Bow for a rental fee of $25. Full Stage Make-up, Hair Half Up/Half Down with ringlets at bottom. See Clara 4 photo.

Toy Soldiers -Dancer will need to wear black tennis shoes, studio will provide the spats. The studio will provide the Toy Soldier costume for a rental fee of $25. Full Stage Make-up, Hair in high pony tail (Dancers can add a straight pony tail extension hair piece if needed.)

 *TN weather varies from year to year during parade time; cold, cool, warm, rainy, snowy, etc… Weather options to add to the costume to keep dancer warm in the event of very cold temps or wet conditions will be given as we get closer to the parade.

Clara 3 -Dancer will need to provide pink tights, ballet shoes & arrive in tennis sneakers. The studio will provide the Clara Nightgown, Bloomers & Blue Bow for a rental fee of $25. Full Stage Make-up, Hair Half Up/Half Down with ringlets at bottom. See Clara 4 photo.

*TN weather varies from year to year during parade time; cold, cool, warm, rainy, snowy, etc… Weather options to add to the costume to keep dancer warm in the event of very cold temps or wet conditions will be given as we get closer to the parade.

Nutcracker 2 – Nutcracker Costume provided by studio. Performer will need to provide black pants & black tennis shoes. See Nutcracker & Mouse King photo.

Mini Snowflakes, Parent Riders &      SQ Snow Flakes – Dancer will need to wear a white warm outfit (comfortable pants & top) white coat, vest, Sweatshirt with or without turtleneck, white earmuffs, white mittens, white scarf & white comfortable shoes to match. Full stage makeup, Hair down. The following are some links to inexpensive items & examples on Amazon. Before ordering, be careful to check sizes. Thrift stores are another great places to look for costume pieces.

https://a.co/d/2oGr5Oq

https://a.co/d/aYHmMom

https://a.co/d/i1H1q1D

https://a.co/d/7LIqsq3

https://a.co/d/3RIfsE0

https://a.co/d/dqIEZEC

https://a.co/d/0ZBXncR

https://a.co/d/iP2DmgS

https://a.co/d/1cbyhaa

*TN weather varies from year to year during parade time; cold, cool, warm, rainy, snowy, etc… All weather options to add to the costume to keep dancer warm in the event of very cold temps or wet conditions will need to match the colors of the costume.

Opening Snowflake Dancers (2)– Dancers will need to wear white  tights &  white sneakers. The studio will provide the Snowflake costume & white dance pants for a rental fee of $25. Full Stage Make-up & Hair in bun.

*All weather options to add to the costume to keep dancer warm in the event of very cold temps or wet conditions will need to match the colors of the costume & each other.

Snowflake Dancers  (4)– Dancers will need to wear pink tights & white dance sneakers that have a break in the arch to reveal point, like pictured to the right. The studio will provide the Snowflake costume & arm covers for a rental fee of $25. Full Stage Make-up & Hair in bun.

*All weather options to add to the costume to keep dancer warm in the event of very cold temps or wet conditions will need to match the colors of the costume & each other.

Amazon Link to Womens Jazz Shoes – https://a.co/d/1K5Qowk 

*Many different Split sole dance sneakers to choose from on amazon, in different price ranges.

Truck Driver 2 – SSDS T-shirt or sweatshirt, Christmas clothes to compliment T, such as turtlenecks, winter hats, scarves, gloves….

Snow Queen – Dancer will need to wear pink tights & ballet or pointe shoes. Tennis shoes are to be worn to event. The studio will provide the Snow Queen costume for a rental fee of $25. Full Stage Make-up, Hair in bun w/ tiara. Snow Queen Jacket & Pants  will also be provided to match costume.

*TN weather varies from year to year during parade time; cold, cool, warm, rainy, snowy, etc… All weather options to add to the costume to keep dancer warm in the event of very cold temps or wet conditions will need to match the colors of the costume, such as long sleeves, sweaters/wraps, gloves, leg warmers, etc…

Sugar Plum Fairy – Dancer will need to wear pink tights & ballet or pointe shoes. Tennis shoes are to be worn to event. The studio will provide the Sugar Plum Fairy costume for a rental fee of $25. Full Stage Make-up, Hair in bun w/ tiara. Sugar Plum Fairy Jacket and pants will also be provided to match costume.

*TN weather varies from year to year during parade time; cold, cool, warm, rainy, snowy, etc… All weather options to add to the costume to keep dancer warm in the event of very cold temps or wet conditions will need to match the colors of the costume, such as long sleeves, sweaters/wraps, gloves, leg warmers, etc… 

Clara 4 – Dancer will need to provide pink tights, ballet shoes & arrive in tennis sneakers. The studio will provide the Clara Nightgown, Bloomers & Blue Bow for a rental fee of $25. Full Stage Make-up, Hair Half Up/Half Down with ringlets at bottom.

 *TN weather varies from year to year during parade time; cold, cool, warm, rainy, snowy, etc… Weather options to add to the costume to keep dancer warm in the event of very cold temps or wet conditions will be given as we get closer to the parade.

Nutcracker 3 -Nutcracker Costume provided by studio. Performer will need to provide black pants & comfortable black tennis shoes. See the Nutcracker & Mouse King photo.

Mary – Mary Costume – Wear warm comfortable clothes. Studio  will provide costume that will overlay your clothing.

Joseph – Joseph Costume – Wear warm comfortable clothes. Studio will provide costume that will overlay your clothing.

Baby Jesus – Swaddling Clothes (Big white blanket)

Childrens “Choir” –

  • Children – Dancer will need Christmas pajamas & slippers to match, colors can contain red, green, white & black. After seeing the Holy Pals Christmas PJs, we are including blue. Please no Santas. *Please send a photo to Miss Mandy at reutters@gmail.com for approval. Stage makeup is not necessary. Below are some examples and approved item links of the look we want for the Choir Children. Choir Children can also wear white tights, white leggings, white pants and/or white bloomers.     

*TN weather varies from year to year during parade time; cold, cool, warm, rainy, snowy, etc… All weather options to add to the costume to keep dancer warm in the event of very cold temps or wet conditions will need to match the colors of the costume, such as mittens, scarves, hats, ear muffs, coats & blankets.

  • Nativity Animals 
  • Dancer will need to get a sheep, goat, cow or donkey costume with shoes to match. *Refer to Cast Costumes list in email, for photos & Amazon links to approved costumes. If you obtain a costume another way, please send a photo to Miss Mandy for approval at reutters@gmail.com . Below are some links to   examples and approved costumes.

*TN weather varies from year to year during parade time; cold, cool, warm, rainy, snowy, etc… All weather options to add to the costume to keep dancer warm in the event of very cold temps or wet conditions will need to match the colors of the costume, such as mittens, scarves, hats, ear muffs, coats & blankets.

  • Angels – Dancer will need to get a white outfit, head wreath with shoes to match. Please see photo and links below. If you obtain a costume another way, please send a photo to Miss Mandy for approval at reutters@gmail.com. Stage makeup is not necessary. Below are some examples and approved items of the look we want for the angels. Angels can also wear white tights, white leggings, white pants and/or white bloomers.     

*TN weather varies from year to year during parade time; cold, cool, warm, rainy, snowy, etc… All weather options to add to the costume to keep dancer warm in the event of very cold temps or wet conditions will need to match the colors of the costume, such as mittens, scarves, hats, ear muffs, coats & blankets.

“Choir” (Safety float riders) 

Nativity Animal Safety Riders – Dress as a Shepherd, Children Safety Riders – Dress in Red/Green Christmas PJs, robe, slippers. Angel Safety Riders – All White Outfit & matching shoes.

Parade Walkers 

SSDS Christmas T-shirt or sweatshirt (to be purchased through SSDS, coming soon!), Christmas clothes to compliment T, such as turtlenecks, winter hats, scarves, gloves…

Nutcracker Twist Parade Music

Float 1 – The Nutcracker, Op. 71: Overture – Tchaikovsky – Party Dancers & Scene

Float 2 & 3 – Nutcracker Swagger(Dance of the Sugar of Plum Fairy) – Mice, Nutcracker 1, Clara/Bed & Soldiers

Snowflake Float 4 & Sleigh (Float 5) – The Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act 1, Scene 2: No.8 – Tchaikovsky – Mini Snowflakes, Clara 3 & Snowflakes

Float 6 – “What Child Is This” – One Voice Children’s Choir – Snow Queen, Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara 4  & Nutcracker, Choir Children, Angels, Nativity Animals & Shepherd, Mary, Joseph & Baby Jesus

Float 6 – Lyrics “What Child Is This?” 

[Verse 1]

What Child is this who laid to rest

On Mary’s lap is sleeping

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet

While shepherds watch are keeping

This, this is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing

Haste, haste to bring him laud

The babe, the son of Mary

[Verse 2]

Why lies He in such mean estate

Where ox and ass are feeding

The end of fear for all who hear

The silent Word is speaking

This, this is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing

Haste, haste to bring him laud

The babe, the son of Mary

[Verse 3]

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh

Come peasant king to love him;

The King of Kings salvation brings

Let loving hearts enthrone him

This, this is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing

Haste, haste to bring him praise

The babe, the son of Mary

Raise, raise the song on high

The Virgin sings her lullaby:

Joy, joy for Christ is born

The babe, the son of Mary

Toy Soldier Choreography

Hey Toy Soldiers!

This role is a mix of the uprightness ballet body & modern hip hop. You’ll be trying to accomplish both in this role. The vibe is also Rockettes meets Janet Jackson, Rhythm Nation. Learn the choreography at home and Miss Mariah will schedule a time for you to add formations to the choreography. 

Reminder – You will have high pony tails. If you don’t have long hair, you may want to get a ponytail extension. 

Breakdown 

With music 

Thanks Everyone!

Blessings,

Jennifer Amor

Parade Coordinator

Shining Starz Dance Studio

Nutcracker Twist Cast List 2024

(Parade Role Descriptions)

Maid – Banner Walker 1 -Walk parade route pushing a banner while smiling & greeting audience “Welcome, Merry Christmas”

Maid – Banner Walker 2 – Walk parade route pushing a banner while smiling & greeting audience “Welcome, Merry Christmas”

5 Dance Couples – Partner dance parade route – at a Christmas party, having fun dancing, when song ends, clapping, repeat

2 Dance Single Adults – Partner dance parade route – at a Christmas party, having fun dancing, when song ends, clapping, repeat

4 Children Dancers –  Dance parade route w/ adult couples – at a Christmas party, having fun dancing, when song ends, clapping, repeat

Truck Driver 1 – Drive Party Scene Float

Uncle Luke – Sitting in swivel chair on Float 1 Acting (Reading a picture book to children)

6 Party Children – Sitting on Float 1 rocking babies in wrapped in white blankets & listening to story, happy as they listen, looking at their babies & Uncle Luke as he reads, connecting their babies to baby Jesus in the story.

Clara 1 – Sitting on Float 1, receiving Nutcracker (Confused) & listening to story, conflicted as to why she got a nutcracker & not a baby doll & what the Nutcracker has to do with the story Uncle Luke is reading.

Tractor Driver – Driving wagon of mice

Mouse King – Driving Chariot (Scooter), acting like a crazy leader

Lead Mouse – Adult supervising Mice & acting like a commander demanding them what to do. 

Mouse 1– Striking match box & lighting cannon, taking turns with other mouse & being mischievous 

Mouse 2 – Striking match box & lighting cannon, taking turns with other mouse & being mischievous 

Mouse 3 – Holding matchbox & being mischievous in wagon

Mouse 4 – Being mischievous in wagon (Sling Shot) Shooting “Lies” at audience & Clara

Mouse 5 – Being mischievous in wagon (Sling Shot) Shooting “Lies” at audience & Clara

Mouse 6 – Being mischievous in wagon – (Sling Shot)Shooting “Lies” at audience & Clara

Street Mouse 1 – Street Mouse’s performance includes walking, acting & interacting between Mice on Mouse Float, Mouse King, Nutcracker & audience.

Street Mouse 2 – Street Mouse’s performance includes walking, acting & interacting between Mice on Mouse Float, Mouse King, Nutcracker & audience.

Nutcracker 1 (Identity Disguised) – Dancing & Acting on parade route – Protecting warfare of mice

Clara 2 – Laying and sitting in bed, acting – shock & fear to what is happening around her. Happy when she looks at Nutcracker protecting her. Conflicted, confused by the evil mice & Nutcracker and his soldiers who are protecting her

10 Toy Soldiers – Dancing on parade route behind Clara & Nutcracker, focused, stoic/straight faced, peaceful & strong, confident, having Claras back, fighting the mice. Toy Soldier 1 is leader, others take her lead in marching rhythm along the parade route.

Mini Snowflakes – Mini Snowflakes will sit on the Snowflake Float, holding a snowflake prop (studio will provide prop) that they can move around to the music. They will also smile & wave to the people watching. The Snowflake Float will be after the Toy Soldiers and in front of Clara’s Sleigh.

Clara 3 – Sitting in Sleigh acting peaceful & full of wonder, happy, smiling, looking around in wonder (as if she’s seeing a beautiful dreamy snowscape) She can also make eye contact with audience and wave like a princess from time to time.

Nutcracker 2 – Nutcracker has just saved Clara & is now a prince. He’s pushing Clara in the sleigh, peaceful & strong taking Clara on a journey to see where He, Jesus, was born. Focus is straight ahead. He can look from time to time at the audience & peacefully nod as a greeting.

2 – Opening Snowflake Dancers – Opening Snowflakes will have very large snowflakes on their backs, dancing as an opening presenter of the Dancing  “Ballerina” Snowflakes. 

4 – Snowflake Dancers “Ballerina’s – Dancers will dance in front of, beside and back of Sleign ballet choreography, that will bring a fullness to the winter scene and Clara’s exerience leading her to the Snow Queen.

Truck Driver 2 – Driving large Dream Scene float

SQ Snowflake 1 – Snow Queen Snowflakes will be sitting on float 6 in the Snow Queens section doing simple arm choreography with large snowflake prop(studio will provide). Smiling and waving at audience.

SQ Snowflake 2 – Snow Queen Snowflakes will be sitting on float 6 in the Snow Queens section doing simple arm choreography with large snowflake prop(studio will provide). Smiling & waving at audience.

Snow Queen – Dancing, then bowing to Jesus on Float 6 – will have rails to steady self when needed  – peaceful & smiling

Sugar Plum Fairy – Dancing, then bowing to Jesus on Float 6 – will have rails to steady self when needed – peaceful & smiling

Clara 4 – Dancing w/ Nutcracker prince & standing & acting in wonder, peace & delight, bowing to Jesus on Float 6 – railings for safety 

Nutcracker 3 – Bracing Clara as she dances & acting in peace & confidence point her to when he was born on Float 6 – railings for safety 

Mary – Sitting under manger on Float 6 & holding baby being a mom, happy & peaceful

Joseph – Sitting under manger on Float 6 & helping care for baby being a dad, happy & peaceful

Baby Jesus – Resting in Mary’s arms under the manger on float 6 being a baby

Childrens “Choir” – sitting on float 6 & singing/lip synching the song – happy & smiling

–Angels – sitting on float 6 & singing/lip synching the song – happy & smiling

–Animals – sitting on float 6 & singing/lip synching the song – happy & smiling

–Children – sitting on float 6 & singing/lip synching the song – happy & smiling

“Choir” (Safety sitters) – sitting on float 6 w/children & singing/lip synching the song – happy & smiling

Parade Walkers – Walking along our section of parade, waving to crowd, saying “Merry Christmas” protecting both performers & audience, passing canes/cards

*Parade Performers’ focus is in their scenes, not making eye contact with audience and waving, unless otherwise stated. Stay in character the whole parade route. We want all of the audience to get the best performance you have to give. Note that the judges will be in front of the Franklin Theater, I believe, if it’s like last year.

**Parade walkers are our point of contact with people. We want them to feel seen and loved. We will have bags of candy for you to pass out. We have just over 2,000, and although that seems a lot, it will go pretty fast. Please make sure you hand it to the person & do not throw. Thrown candy can disqualify us. Make it quick as to bring their attention to the story. The cards have a QR code that will take them to a landing page that tells them the story they are seeing & will also connect them to the studio.