This past Nutcracker was a really really special one for our family. Olivia was cast as Clara (this was on her Christmas wish list from last year), Brad was Drosselmeyer for the second year in a row, and Vivi was a Baby Mouse and a Baker in her very first Nutcracker ever. It was super busy- like really busy, but so so worth it. I truly felt like their personal assistant through the months of November and December, didn’t see friends, and couldn’t have told you if I was coming or going and LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT. It has truly become such a tradition for our family so much so that I feel sad when it’s all over!
Oliva’s roles altogether were Clara (double-casted), one of Clara’s friends, a Spanish attendant, a Flower, and a Snowflake. She had never partnered in a role before so it was really neat to watch her work hard and prepare for that. Her gown was custom made for her so I actually loved that part, but I have to say that designing something pretty and classic is so different from designing something pretty, classic, AND that can be danced multiple times in. Even though it all flew by, we did our best to soak it all up!! Even doing her Clara hair that took no less than an hour each time was really special to me as her mom.
You guys know Brad has ZERO shy bones in his body so being Drosselmeyer is perfect for him! He really is so much fun to watch on stage, and I am always so proud of him and in awe of the time he willingly puts in. I feel like for a dad, it’s easier to do things alongside your boys, but when your girls take ballet- it can be more of a challenge. It’s really special to me to see him up there with our girls. Those are memories they will have forever. Also- he took a live chicken on stage AGAIN. I can’t even try to reign him in!!! Haha.
I was hesitant to let Vivi be in it this year, but I’m really glad I did. She loved every second of it, and in her mind SHE was the star of the show. She told me at one point that she hopes to be Clara someday like her big sister. It was sweet watching her dance as a Baby Mouse and a Baker. So crazy to see her do that at five!!! When Olivia started ballet, she was seven so her first year she danced those very same roles just a bit older.
I have to say that this was my most favorite Nutcracker yet!! So many family and friends came to support our little fam, and it meant so much. I never get tired of all the togetherness that comes with each Nutcracker season- with our ballet friends, with my family, with my girls, I love all the time spent with each of them. I am literally already excited for next year… but will very much enjoy this break until then!
Until next year,