A Longstanding Rutland Tradition
The beloved tradition of The Nutcracker in Rutland began in 1981 with Miss Lorraine, whose love of this timeless holiday ballet inspired her to bring it to life for the Rutland community. With homemade costumes, hand-drawn scenery, and the support of her dancers and families, the very first production was a success.
As the years went on, the production grew in size and reputation, enchanting audiences and instilling the love of ballet in generations of children. Miss Lorraine poured her heart into the show, and her dedication left behind a legacy of artistry, tradition, and community. When she passed away in 2014, she left a beautiful imprint on Rutland’s dance world.
In her memory, Miss Lorraine’s granddaughter revived the production in partnership with the Paramount Theatre in 2017. Staying true to the original vision, it was brought back as a true community event, inviting dancers from all local studios to join together on stage. Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the spirit of the Nutcracker endured. Dancers performed in December 2021 in masks, determined to keep the tradition alive.
This year marks a new chapter in that legacy: a first-of-its-kind partnership between Miss Lorraine’s School of Dance and Miss Jackie’s Studio of Dance. Built on a deep history mutual respect, friendship, and a shared love for teaching, the collaboration brings together over 90 local dancers, ages 1 through 60, from across the community. With their combined talents, this season’s Nutcracker promises to be the most magical and memorable performance yet.
About Our Studios
Miss Lorraine's School of Dance
Miss Lorraine began her teaching career as a young teenager, assisting her own teacher in sharing the joy of dance with the Rutland community. Her passion carried her far, teaching dance in France during the 1950s while her husband was stationed abroad. She later opened a studio in Oklahoma before ultimately returning home to Rutland, where her heart truly belonged.In the late 1960s, she established the modern Miss Lorraine’s School of Dance, a studio that would become a cornerstone of the community for more than six decades and counting. With her signature blend of discipline and encouragement, she nurtured dancers of all ages and abilities, holding them to high standards of commitment, artistry, and joy, while always making them feel seen and valued. Many former students recall not only the lessons in technique and performance, but also the life lessons in perseverance, confidence, and kindness that they carried with them long after they left the studio.
Miss Lorraine’s influence extended well beyond the studio walls. She directed beloved local productions, most famously The Nutcracker, which became a cherished holiday tradition for families across generations. Her work created opportunities for young people in Rutland to experience the magic of the arts firsthand, fostering a love of dance that enriched the entire community.
Miss Lorraine continued to teach well into her seventies, remaining a steady presence in the lives of countless children and families. When the time came to pass the torch, her daughter Pam Brouillard stepped into leadership, ensuring that the studio remained rooted in the family’s values and traditions. Today, her granddaughter Heather Brouillard proudly carries forward the legacy, blending Miss Lorraine’s timeless vision with fresh creativity for a new generation of dancers. Miss Lorraine's spirit continues to live on in every dancer who takes the stage, in every family who finds a home at the studio, and in the generations who continue to grow through the gift of dance.
Miss Jackie's Studio of Dance
In a cluttered room at the Wallingford Town Hall in 1956, Miss Jacqueline LaFlamme, known to her students as "Miss Jackie," began teaching and sharing her passion for the art of dance. Miss Jackie's Hi-Fi Dance Studio held their very first recital, "Parade of Talent" at the Rutland High School Auditorium on June 27, 1957. The entire production was staged and choreographed by Miss Jackie and included twenty-six dance performances, two vocal selections, music accompaniment by pianist Mrs. Rose Marie Hagan and selections by Larry's Accordionaires.
Today, Miss Jackie's legacy lives on through her daughter, Jennifer, Studio owner and her granddaughter, Bethany, Artistic Director. Various disciplines of dance continue to be taught to all ages, by a staff of professional and qualified instructors.
Miss Jackie's Studio of Dance students and teachers produce an exciting show every Spring, showcasing ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern, hip hop, baton and acrobatic performances. The recital at the Paramount Theater in Rutland, Vermont is a culmination of the dedication, hard work and love that is poured into their classes, emulating Miss Jackie's style and passion.