This is my eighth season dancing with Charlottesville Ballet and my seventh time re-visiting the role of the Sugarplum Fairy, and each year I do it I find something new about the part. This year is an especially pivotal moment in my career as I’ve taken on the dual role of Company Artist and Company Manager, and it has been incredibly exciting as I continue to perform with the company and take on new responsibilities. Charlottesville Ballet has grown so much over the last few years, and it has been an honor and pleasure to witness its growth within the community and its ability to reach new audiences each year.
The Nutcracker is an especially important ballet as it’s often the first interaction a child ever has with ballet. It was the first ballet my parents ever took me to see, and it was watching that first performance that I fell in love with dance. Promptly after the performance I announced to my parents that I was going to be Clara. Years later, (after much hard work) I was. To me, it’s magical catching a glimpse of the children’s eyes in the audience as they look upon the snow falling for the first time in the “Land of the Snowflakes” scene (a theatre trick that takes hours of practice and preparation to pull-off), or how you can hear their delighted giggles when Mother Ginger pops out of her Gingerbread House, rolling pin in hand.
Charlottesville Ballet also has a special event before certain shows called “Class with Clara,” in which children come onstage for a mini ballet-class, taught by Clara. At the end of the class, the Sugarplum Fairy, Dewdrop, and a few other characters come out to meet everyone. This event is incredibly special as the children just light up when they get to meet the characters before they see them perform. It’s rare that audience members get to interact with the performers, so it means a lot to the dancers that we’re able to meet the children and get to know them a bit. Every dancer loves dance just for the sake of it, but there’s a special connection when you feel you’ve ignited a spark for something you love with another human being, young or old.
To me, The Nutcracker is more than just a holiday tradition that goes hand in hand with hot cocoa and decorations, it’s about community, and sharing in the communal delight of humanity: art. While there are many different versions of The Nutcracker, to me, Charlottesville Ballet’s is one of the purest interpretations. It’s a story of adventure, magic, courage, and love. Clara’s bravery and heart is something every child can look up to, and our story ends with Clara waking up in her bed, holding her Nutcracker, and remembering the fantastic journey she’s just been on. Was it real or a dream? It’s up the audience to decide, but the emotions left behind are real.
I hope you can join us for this year’s production – I will be performing the role of the Sugarplum Fairy on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 11:00am and Sunday, Dec. 20 at 2:00pm.
Wishing You Holiday Cheer,
Caitlin Lennon