For some people, getting dressed up in their finest clothing, buying a real life nutcracker and going to see the magical show of “The Nutcracker” with their family is their favorite tradition of the year. What they may not know, however, is that behind the enchanted filter of the show, the dancers have put their literal blood, sweat, and tears into making the show as wonderful and magical as possible for each person sitting in the audience.

That look you get from a dancer drawing you deeply into the fictional story is not coincidental. We practice when and where to look for each step by looking from our floating arms to the reflection of the exit sign in the mirror that resembles the audience day after day.

Despite what you might think, a lot of the performance is just acting. Similar to the looks us dancers give you, we reel you into “The Nutcracker” by bringing the stage to life. Although the dancing is certainly the main aspect, the show would not be the same without the acting that accompanies our steps.

As Clara, I know the highest commitment level that dancers are devoted to. I help with the little blocks and bees through their first rehearsals. I see the older dancers -my classmates- practice not only during rehearsals but in their own time as well. Each dancer only is allowed to miss one rehearsal (except for the mandatory ones)- besides Clara who doesn’t get any- and if the dancers miss more, they are replaced in the show by a fellow dancer.  This may seem extreme, but believe it or not there are only about 6 rehearsals before the performance so skipping more than one has a significant effect on not only their quality of performance, but the other dancers’ too.  

Every Saturday morning, I start with two and a half hours of ballet class. After working hard and diligently dancing for that time, I have a fifteen minute break to scarf down food and get back to work for rehearsal. Then, I have three hours worth of The Nutcracker practice or “The Nut” as some call it. Followed by passing out quickly for the night upon my arrival back home.

In spite of all the tiring work and pain that goes into “The Nutcracker”, I have dreams of dancing on the beautifully lit stage, silently fake laughing with friends and hearing the famous melodies of Tchaikovsky. A tradition of seeing “The Nutcracker” is one for many but performing in it is a favorite one for others and all the hard work always pays off in the end.