I think it was Christmas 1996 when I scored a lead role in my dance studio’s local production of The Nutcracker.  I was the “Snow Queen”, or “Lead Snowflake.” Different companies call it different things.  I was 15.  My mom has pictures somewhere.  For many years of my youth The Nutcracker and the holiday season became synonymous.

My dance career ended after I finished a Dance Minor in college and shook my pom poms on the university dance team.  Back in Christmas 2003 when my husband and I were dating he took me to the Carolina Ballet’s annual performance of The Nutcracker.  We held hands and made eyes at each other in the dark theater.

I haven’t been to a dance concert or ballet since then, so I was elated when Carolina Ballet offered to send me to The Nutcracker this year.  It is truly a magical holiday experience, especially for kids.  Obviously, my two-year-old isn’t quite old enough to appreciate the beauty and artistry of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece.  But, I knew a little girl who would.

I tweeted out this slightly blurry pic of my companions last night.  Meet Amy and Ashley.  Amy is a dear friend and her daughter Ashley is my favorite 8-year-old.

The three “A’s” Amy, Amy, and Ashley

Before the show, Ashley dined on some of the best mac ‘n cheese Raleigh has to offer as she rattled off her Christmas list to me.  (Santa will have a lot of electronics to bring this little gal and her step-brothers.)  She showed me her super cool new braces and explained they only hurt for a few days.  Ashley told me about 3rd grade and her upcoming Christmas program at school. This is the most delightful, kind and gracious child you will ever meet.  If she thanked me once, she thanked me a million times for inviting her.  I love this kid!

Amy and I walked to the auditorium while Ashley danced down the street in her skirt that looks sort of like a tutu.  It was perfect for a night at the ballet.

Ashley’s skirt. I’ve decided I need one like this.

I saw other little girls as young as 3 or 4 dressed in their Christmas best.  Many had pretty taffeta dresses with bows.  Some clutched their own Nutcracker dolls.  I flashed forward to nights we’ll take our daughter Charlotte in the coming years.  If you think only girls like The Nutcracker, you are wrong!  There were little guys in the theater in dress pants and sweater vests.  What boy wouldn’t love a good battle between a Rat King and a Toy Soldier?  That’s pretty awesome.  Children and adults were completely enthralled by the magic tricks the Carolina Ballet incorporates into their show.  It kept Ashley’s and other children’s attention the entire time.  Amy said to me, “I’ve been to a lot of Nutcracker performances.  This is my first one by Carolina Ballet and it is the best!”

Throughout the performance Ashley would lean over and whisper things like, “He he!  The little rat is my favorite.  It’s cute!”  or “Hey, Miss Amy.  Do you think that’s real snow?”

During intermission, the dancer playing “Clara” was out in the front of the auditorium taking pictures with children.  That would have been very exciting for Ashley, but Carolina Ballet gave us the opportunity to go backstage during intermission.  When I told Ashley this I thought she was going to jump out of her tutu skirt!  When we got back stage, there she was!  In all her sparkly pink tutu beauty!  The Sugar Plum Fairy herself talked to Ashley and took a picture with her.  I think Ashley’s face says it all.

I’m pretty sure we can see all of her new braces with a grin that big.  Thank you Carolina Ballet for a very special evening that kicked off Christmas in the perfect way.

I know I have a lot of readers here locally in North Carolina.  I’m talking to you.  The Carolina Ballet is one of the true treasures of our state.  During the Nutcracker the North Carolina Symphony is the orchestra.  Amazing!  There are still tickets available for performances in Raleigh and Durham both before and after Christmas.  Get information here.  It is a fantastic way to celebrate the holidays with your family.  If you are elsewhere in the nation, please go to your local shows and take in all that local arts programs have to offer.

What are your favorite Nutcracker memories?  Do you go every year?  How old should a child be to go to the ballet and enjoy it?  

Disclaimer: The Carolina Ballet sent me to the performance but my opinions are totally free and totally honest.  Happy Holidays!