The Nutcracker returns to BalletMet for the holidays, from Dec. 11-27 at Ohio Theatre.
The sizeable production features over 150 students from BalletMet’s Dance Academy, who will perform roles including Young Clara, Fritz, soldiers and mice. Company dancers Caitlin Valentine-Ellis dances the parts of Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Miguel Anaya portrays the Nutcracker Prince and Cavalier. CityScene talked with both dancers about the production and their love for ballet.
Photo by Jennifer Zmuda
CityScene: How did you first become interested in ballet, and when did you first start taking lessons?
Caitlin Valentine-Ellis: When I was young, I actually started taking tap classes first and from there wanted to try jazz, gymnastics and ballet classes as well. I was about four or five when I started taking ballet classes, and I remember loving it from the beginning. I continued taking all the different forms of dance, including tap, jazz, musical theater and modern, through most of training, which I think really helped me become a better ballet dancer.
Miguel Anaya: At first, I was honestly not very interested in dancing. I was more interested in music, and especially singing. I was not, however, extremely gifted in these areas. It was my mother who later suggested that I try another art form, which turned out to be ballet dancing. I was 13 years old when I began taking ballet classes in Havana, Cuba.
CS: What is the most rewarding part of your role in The Nutcracker?
CV: In The Nutcracker, I perform the Sugar Plum Fairy and Clara, and both of these parts are very rewarding. The Nutcracker is a magical ballet for children, and in many cases is what inspires them to take dance classes. Whether they are in the audience or performing onstage with me, I love to see the children's reactions to the performances and see the pure joy in their eyes.
MA: Dancing the role of the Nutcracker with Clara has been the most rewarding and special part I have experienced so far. It's challenging, and yet I feel comfortable coming alive on stage, entering a whole new world through movement and acting. I try to remember that for some people, it may be their first time seeing The Nutcracker or the ballet, so it’s a rewarding experience for me to share with others the magic and excitement that comes to life with the role.
CS: What is the most challenging part of the production?
CV: The most challenging part of The Nutcracker is keeping it fresh and trying to bring something new to my performances each time I perform. The Nutcracker is a staple in almost every ballet company and is performed every year. Because we perform it so much, I always try to find a way to make each show unique and special so that I can keep growing as an artist during every performance.
MA: The most challenging part of this production I have found is dancing the Snow Pas de Deux in Act One of The Nutcracker. Focusing on the choreography, technique and partnering with Clara while snow falls can prove to be a challenge.
CS: What is your favorite part of the production and why?
CV: My favorite part of The Nutcracker has always been the Snow Scene. I love the music because it’s not only beautiful but exciting as well. It is a wonderful part of the ballet with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince dancing through the Snowflakes, and when it starts to actually snow it really is beautiful.
MA: My favorite part of the production is Act One with the Battle Scene. This part is very exciting and comes to life as a great battle between mice, rats and soldiers. You can feel the energy and magic on the stage, and I love being a part of the liveliness that’s brought with each performance.
CS: What is your favorite ballet to dance? What would be your dream performance?
CV: My favorite ballet is Romeo and Juliet. The story, the music, the costumes, everything about this ballet I have always loved. I have performed Juliet, and it has been my dream role. I will never forget what it was like being able to perform this ballet. The journey and growth that Juliet goes through in the ballet was just amazing to experience onstage.
MA: My favorite ballet is Don Quixote. The story is a very passionate ballet to dance, and the music is one of my all-time favorites. This ballet is very inspiring for me to perform and watch because it’s full of technique and artistry that I can take and use as I continue to grow as an artist and dancer. It’s an exciting challenge. My dream role to dance would be Prince Albrecht in Giselle. The story of the ballet itself is full of romance, tragedy and sacrifice, and being able to dance on stage and portray all three of those things through dancing would be a dream for me.
