Back to Nutcracker

 In December of 2015, I had an incredible Nutcracker experience.  I was able to choreograph Waltz of the Flowers, Russian, Chinese, Snow, Sugarplum and the Finale for Studio 4 the Arts Nutcracker performance at the Dallas Theater in Dallas, Georgia.  The Nutcracker is my fondest childhood memory and is still so near and dear to my heart.  The Christmas before Gabrielle got engaged Randy took us all to the Nutcracker at the Fox Theater, something I have been dreaming of doing for years. I performed in the Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker as a child at the Fox Theater and have only been able to go back and see it again just a few times.  Having the opportunity to choreograph was amazing and top it all off, Eliza performed in it as well.  I thought I would never see my Eliza in a ballet, much less a tutu.  My mind was blown to say the least!  She danced as a party parent, Marzipan, and one of my all time favorites, Arabian.

Antjuan Rhames is a teacher at the studio who played Drosselmeyer for us, Tammy Anthony is the owner of the studio, amazing business owner and talented choreographer, me, Act II choreographer, oh and of course a dance mom. Then we have Christine Quarte who created and directed the overall show.

Nicole Snyder danced Sugarplum.  She is in 8th grade and is extremely passionate about dance.  It shows in her dancing.  It was a pleasure to work with her.

 Michala Hill danced Snow Queen.  It was dream come true for her.  She is in 10th grade.  She worked so hard in our rehearsals.  I was so proud of her.

My Pointe Level 2 class were the core dancers.  They were beautiful.  This was the choreography I was most proud of.  One of my favorite Nutcracker dances.  The music, scenery, and dancers are so beautiful.

 Lead Dew Drop was danced by Abbey Blosser.  She is in 8th grade and loves ballet.  She asked for extra private lessons so she could continue to improve. She did great!  Waltz of the Flowers, the core dancers were the Prodigy Stars and Force.

Loved taking pictures from the wings...

 A few Russian girls jumped in with my flowers.

Russian was performed by Prodigy Elite.

Chinese was performed by Prodigy Dolls.

Eliza as a party parent with the girls in her Teen Elite Co. and a few from Junior Force. This picture is Eliza, Joy, Casey, Sydney and Michala.

 


These little girls were in the Mini Stars group.  They fell in love with their party moms.  So cute.

Eliza in Arabian with Joy and Sydney.  They are cousins.  Eliza in 7th grade, Joy in 6th, and Sydney in 5th.

Warming up during intermission..

During finale

Onstage performance

Eliza danced so beautifully and gracefully for Marzipan.  I was so proud of her.

Backstage:  Lizzie, Michala, Nicole, Sydney, Joy, Eliza

My little ballerina

Randy was gone working in California, so he was unable to come to the show, but we were happy for the family and friends who came to support. :)

Tanner, Alyssa, Grandma, Eliza, Grandpa, Christiana, Lauri, Kinley

Christiana came again to the last show with her friend Rachel Hassenboehler.

It was a wonderful weekend and such a great experience.  Not sure if  I will ever get this chance again, but I sure hope so.  If not, I enjoyed every minute of it and will cherish this memory for years to come.