Company Member Katelyn Prominski’s thoughts mid-Nutcracker 2010…
Two weeks in and ten performances from being finished, we are truly in the “heart” of Nutcracker. Each show is dabbled with a little more craziness than the last, yet never taking away from the spirited dancing we produce. Now that we have gotten into the steady rhythm of eat-dance-sleep, this is the time when we all push the limits on our roles.
My current favorite moment of Nutcracker would have to be Pennsylvania Ballet II dancer Eric Trope’s rendition of Mother Ginger. This is Eric’s first year performing the role, but he perfectly embodies it and continues to push the borders of his character. Mother Ginger is a role where the dancer wears tall stilts, a huge dress, and has eight children hiding under their skirt. While the children are dancing, M.G. is behind them making lavish gestures and comedic faces which, if spotted, the audience loves. Whenever I am dancing in the Waltz of the Flowers, I watch this divertissement from the wings to rev myself up. Whatever type of mood I am in, M.G. openly makes me giggle and automatically readies me for the stage with a big smile and open heart. I’d like to thank Eric, for his non-stop generous soul that he delivers for every show!
My current favorite moment of Nutcracker would have to be Pennsylvania Ballet II dancer Eric Trope’s rendition of Mother Ginger. This is Eric’s first year performing the role, but he perfectly embodies it and continues to push the borders of his character. Mother Ginger is a role where the dancer wears tall stilts, a huge dress, and has eight children hiding under their skirt. While the children are dancing, M.G. is behind them making lavish gestures and comedic faces which, if spotted, the audience loves. Whenever I am dancing in the Waltz of the Flowers, I watch this divertissement from the wings to rev myself up. Whatever type of mood I am in, M.G. openly makes me giggle and automatically readies me for the stage with a big smile and open heart. I’d like to thank Eric, for his non-stop generous soul that he delivers for every show!
Pennsylvania Ballet II dancer Eric Trope as Mother Ginger. Photo: Harry Paris.
In order to fully embrace the holiday season, Pennsylvania Ballet's female dancers have a couple of tricks up our tutus:
- Hats, gloves, scarves, and sunglasses are a must. We can look pretty scary as we leave the theater, plus it’s FREEZING out.
- Gingerbread men can make everything better for the moment.
- Vitamins are essential. We have “Three-show Saturdays” and cannot get sick!
- Many of us write funny sayings/song titles/memories on the bottoms of our pointe shoes.
- Avoid continued Nutcracker soundtrack by holiday shopping online.
Company Members Lauren Fadeley, Katelyn Prominski, and Caralin Curcio with Alyson Pray. Courtesy: Katelyn Prominski.
I took that pic!!!
ReplyDeleteI think you all look lovely when you leave the Academy - Fritz's Mom
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