Ashlee Owens Bush danced as Clara in the first Brewton Ballet performance of “The Nutcracker” 20 years ago.
This weekend, she will return to the production to portray a mother — both on and off the stage.
As an emotional bonus to her return, Bush will also be able to witness her 3-year-old daughter, Alivialee’s, first appearance on stage.
“I am so happy to be back on the stage dancing,” bush said. “I danced with Miss Ann from the time I was 3 until I was 20. It’s been 10 years since I’ve been on the stage.
Bush will be watching as her daughter begins to follow in her footsteps in the world of dance. She said the weekend’s performances will be an emotional experience.
“This is going to be an emotional weekend for me,” Bush said. “She is enjoying this very much.”
Under the direction of Ann Peevy, a bevy of young ladies and a few young men will perform dance routines as they unfold a story of The Nutcracker. Bush will perform as a mother in the presentation while Alivialee portrays a clown.
Getting her daughter dancing wasn’t something Bush had to work at, she said.
“Alivialee loves to dance,” Bush said. “Anytime music comes on she is up moving and dancing. She just absolutely loves to dance.”
Bush said she isn’t the kind of mother who wants to push her daughter into being on stage, but is excited she is ready to dance.
“I won’t push her to dance,” Bush said. “As long as she’s enjoying it and having a good time we’ll be here. I’m glad she is enjoying this now. It’s fun for both of us.”
Bush said she couldn’t ask for a better dance instructor than Peevy. Having spent so many years at the studio, gave Bush a sense of family.
“Miss Ann is like a second mother,” Bush said. “She’s like another mother to all of the dancers. To have my little one with her now is very emotional.”
Bush heaped praise on the instructor who has served generations of dancers in the Brewton area.
“Miss Ann is just wonderful at what she does,” Bush said. “She has the patience of Job. Working with little ones, especially, takes a lot of patience and understanding.”
The 20th production of the Brewton Dance Studio’s “The Nutcracker” will be presented Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Woodfin Patterson Auditorium on the campus of Jefferson Davis Community College on Alco Drive. Tickets are $5 each for the event.