Nutcracker is always a nostalgic time for me. Something significant has been missing during the past few holiday seasons that I haven’t danced in The Nutcracker. But being in these studios this time of year and hearing the Tchaikovsky music, I am instantly transported to a different time. I suppose it’s like that for most dancers, especially those who have gone on to dance with other companies from Brandywine Ballet, or those who have simply missed some Nutcrackers, like me. There is something about the Brandywine Ballet’s Nutcracker that will always have a special place in my heart. Dress rehearsal last Sunday brought those memories to life. I stood in the hall beside the Candy Cane corps members and remembered my very first part dancing for Brandywine Ballet, dancing the Candy Cane corps. I still remember the choreography. I caught glimpses of Liz Coniglio and Malory Gallagher, two talented young dancers, rehearsing the party scene. Instantly I remembered dancing Clara with David Kloss as Drosselmeyer, who taught me so much about expression on stage, and Nancy Page as Sugar Plum, who I watched dance her variation with precision and grace… I’ll never forget those moments. Now, I watch Tim Early bring his presence and unmistakable humor to the part of Drosselmeyer, and Hannah Telthorster show her own precision and grace as Sugar Plum.

As I prepare to perform Snow Queen, a role I’ve never done before, I find myself remembering all those dancers who have done it before me, and hoping to live up to those who I’ve admired in the past while bringing a personal touch to it as well.  With Dew Drop, I’m excited to perform it again, having danced it when I was 17 and again when I was 18, it’s interesting to remember what it felt like then and how it feels now. When the curtain opens next week, I hope you all cherish every second whether you’re watching in the audience, enjoying the excitement backstage, or dancing onstage. Someday you will look back on these holiday memories, no matter where you are in life or what you’re doing, and feel the rush of memories from holidays past. For me it has come full circle, and what better a feeling to share during the holidays, then the feeling of home.

-Alexa

Principal Dancer Alex Valentine dances the role of Snow Queen in Brandywine Ballet’s 2010 performances of The Nutcracker.