Written by Amanda E.H. Pritchard, Relate Contributing Writer
As little girls, we dream of fastening a pink tu-tu around our waists and lacing up those ballet shoes. Particularly a role that any ballerina would love to land is that of Little Marie in George Ballanchine’s The Nutcracker. For those of you not familiar with the fabled tale of The Nutcracker, here is a brief overview… Long ago in Germany while awaiting their parents to let them in the living room on Christmas Eve, Little Marie and her “even littler” brother Fritz tried to get a glimpse into the festivities by peeking through the key hole of the door. As guests started to arrive, the children and their parents danced and laughed until a mysterious cloaked man with a patch over his eye arrived. The man was Little Marie’s beloved godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer. Drosselmeyer is a toy maker and inventor. Equipped with boxes full of toys, he handed gifts out to the children, saving the best gift of all for Little Marie. A unique item called a Nutcracker. What ensues is a magical tale of merriment and tradition that compliments the Christmas season.
As a dancer, you want to have the celebrated role or the lead. Like in band when you want to be first chair for a particular piece. Ballerinas strive to be the principal dancer. If you want to see a fun and funky ballet movie, rent Center Stage. It has a few familiar faces like Peter Gallagher (a.k.a. Sandy Cohen, Seth’s dad from the O.C.) and Amanda Schull (recently scene in the Lifetime movie Sorrority Wars with Lucy Hale from the sadly cancelled show Privileged; she has a reoccurring role on One Tree Hill as Sara where she plays the ghost of Clay’s wife). Made in 2000, once you see it you’ll want to get up and dance!
Professional dancers are just like any celebrity. They have a plan and they stick to it. When thinking of famous ballet dancers, a front runner comes to mind: Mikhail Baryshnikov. Baryshnikov has been in movies and honored in special programming to showcase his true talent. Baryshnikov definitely lives by the Life Is Good company motto of, “Like what you do and do what you like.”
Pirouetting, pleas or pointe, these hard working dancers have earned the right to lace up their pointe shoes to take the spotlight.
If you dream of the days when you can be a prima ballerina, start today! Try out for next year’s production of The Nutcracker. It’s simple; just call your local instructors and let them help you achieve your goals. You’ll soon be on your way to a rond de jamba that could make you a star.
(Photo by videoeta.com)
