Children Miracle Network dancers rehearse for The Nutcracker

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) -Many could only imagine being a part of their favorite musical performance.

University of Michigan Health Sparrow and the Children's Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals are making patients' dreams of being on stage a reality.

Former and current patients from UM Health-Sparrow Pediatric Rehabilitation will be on center stage as guest dancers in the Children's Ballet Theatre, allowing them a chance in the spotlight.

Inside Powers Dance Studio in Holt, dancers rehearse year-round. They are joined by a remarkable group of dancers, including Jacob, Laney, and Sophie, all rehearsing for their performance of The Nutcracker.

"They have different abilities than the regular dancers, that for sure, but they still get to be able to participate and I think that's just awesome, said Sophie Tenbroeke.

Nadine Mehl volunteers for CMN and says that since 2009, the network has recruited children with physical limitations to participate in the Children's Ballet Theatre, giving them the routine of a typical dancer, from rehearsals to fittings and everything in between.

"It just enables these kids who couldn't participate maybe in traditional dance studios to perform in a pre-professional ballet company," said Mehl.

The ballet has been a rewarding experience for 8-year-old first-timer Laney.

"At first, I didn't think I would make a lot of friends, but I got all these people who are now my friends, and I'm really excited," said Laney Bush.

With 15-year-old Jacob never considering dancing, he is now returning for his second year.

"It's been great. I love being around people and dancing, and everything's great about dancing. I love doing this every single weekend," said Jacob Boerma.

"He makes us twirl; other times, he makes us like rock or like to do things with our arms. He kind of simplifies it for us," said Sophie Tenbroeke. While their dances are simplified, artistic director Jesse Powers says the miracle network dancers are as important to the performance as anyone else.

"All the roles make the show come together, so if we didn't have those CMN dancers, the show would be less," said Powers.

Showing that while dancing may be physical, the passion for performing comes from the heart.

"They just exude happiness and it's just great to see," said Mehl.

These dancers only have a few more rehearsals before their performances. With the help of UM Health-Sparrow and CMN, they get to show not only their confidence but also their resilience as they perform this holiday season.

Tickets for the Children's Ballet Theatre production of The Nutcracker.