As I sit writing rehearsal schedules and finalizing cast lists, I can’t believe that Nutcracker season is here already.
This is my 35th year being involved in a Nutcracker as a ballet student, dancer, teacher, and now director. Not only is this ballet a huge part of the dance world, it is a big part of my life and the BelArts Ballet students. It is a season filled with magic and community.
As exciting as the Nutcracker season is, one question comes up every year…
What if your dancer finds out their assigned role and is devastated? What if they feel overlooked, not recognized, or even crushed by not getting to dance what they had dreamed of dancing?
How do we as parents and students handle these valid feelings?
We feel them! We let our students or ourselves feel sad.
There were many times growing up when I was so disappointed by my part. The part seemed so small or too easy or insignificant. Even as a professional dancer, I would feel a loss not getting asked to learn a role I knew I would be good at!
Feeling disappointment and sadness is good and normal and nothing to be embarrassed about.
After taking a moment to feel the feelings, the first thing I encourage is for the dancer to approach their role with an open mind.
Dancers, try not to think it will be terrible or boring. Go to those first few rehearsals and see what you can find in this role.
I also ask my students and families to trust me. The director and teachers agonize about these cast lists! We think about the bigger picture of the production. We consider all the students and:
All the roles in a production are important and all are pieces of a bigger picture! In the moment, it can be hard to see this through the lens of individual dancers, but we are all a part of creating this magical show!
Remember why many of us started ballet…we love to perform. Any chance to get out on stage is a gift and a wonderful opportunity. Remember the fun of being backstage, being in a theatre, being with friends, and then getting to dance onstage brings joy to ourselves and the audience no matter what role we have.
We are all working together to create the Nutcracker.
Dancers, if you give yourself a few days and still don’t feel settled, I advise talking with your teacher/director.
Self-advocacy is a relatively new practice in the ballet world, but it is an important life skill. I am never angry or annoyed if a student wants to ask me to learn a role.
Understudying is a great option for many dancers. It really shows initiative and a commitment with the drive to attend extra rehearsals. Don’t argue or expect a change in casting but talk about why this role is important to you and what you think you can learn from it.
If a dancer can clearly state why they want to learn a role, understand they most likely won’t get to perform it, and will still strive to do their best in their assigned roles, I won’t say no. It could also be a good way of showing you know the part for the future and maybe getting you closer to getting cast in that part.
Nutcracker roles come and go, but what does stay is the collective work and community building that goes into a production. Every part is equally important from the Sugar Plum Fairy and Clara down to the smallest Mouse.
Everyone is needed and valued.