This year, Olivia Simmons Bergin, a freshman at Washburn High School in Minneapolis, is marking her 10th year of performing in the Minnesota Academy of Russian Ballet’s traditional Nutcracker Suite ballet.
Simmons Bergin began ballet at McRae Park’s long-standing dance program for preschoolers. As a kindergartener, she started attending a rigorous, highly disciplined Russian ballet school in Eden Prairie, MN
Simmons Bergin just completed the XC Season forWashburn’s Girls Cross Country track team, adding to their consecutive City Conference titles. Now she will trade in her XC cleats for pointe shoes ina traditional Russian Nutcracker ballet performance.
Along with cross country, Simmons Bergin plays violin in Washburn’s Chamber Orchestra and is a member of the National Charity League, a volunteer service organization.
She is the daughter of Kym Simmons and Daniel Bergin. Mr. Bergin is notable documentary filmmaker and Powderhorn native. Simmons Bergin is the great-granddaughter of Ida Mae Young (St. Peter’s AME) and John Young, of the historically recognized Young Bros. beauty and barbershops.
The Nutcracker performance takes place at the Eden Prairie High School Performing Arts Center December 14-16. For show times, tickets, and other info visit minnesotaballetschool.com/nutcracker.
—Information submitted by the subject
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