Talking Pointes

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!

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:

1. Hats, gloves, scarves, and sunglasses are a must. We can look pretty scary as we leave the theater, plus it’s FREEZING out.


2. Gingerbread men can make everything better for the moment.
   
3. Vitamins are essential. We have “Three-show Saturdays” and cannot get sick!


4. Many of us write funny sayings/song titles/memories on the bottoms of our pointe shoes.


5. Avoid continued Nutcracker soundtrack by holiday shopping online.
   

Company Members Lauren Fadeley, Katelyn Prominski, and Caralin Curcio with Alyson Pray. Courtesy: Katelyn Prominski.

Talking Pointes

To give our blog readers an inside view of Pennsylvania Ballet, Company Member Katelyn Prominski and her fellow dancers will be sharing their thoughts from behind-the-scenes in their very own blog entries, Talking Pointes. Check out Katelyn’s first post!

Company Member Katelyn Prominski’s Opening Night Diary

Like clockwork, every year, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ begins right before our very eyes. Rehearsals sneak up on us just like the cold weather does, and all of a sudden, after a bunch of jumbled stage rehearsals we realize Opening Night has arrived! One of my favorite observations about Nutcracker is watching the dancers reminisce and work together. Often, a dancer will take on a new role and a “veteran” performer will offer guidance and suggestions for a tricky part. Since we have so many shows, precision and ease comes with experience. Each holiday season starts with its own set of surprises and wonderful traditions, especially around the theater, and this Opening Night performance was not to be excluded.

Soloist Ian Hussey has a heart-warming story that can bring good cheer to even the scroogiest of Scrooges. When 12-year-old Ian was asked to play the Little Prince in Pennsylvania Ballet’s Nutcracker, little did he know that his then Sugar Plum Fairy, Principal Dancer Arantxa Ochoa, would be the Opening Night partner to his Cavalier 13 years later! Ian and Arantxa danced beautifully on Opening Night, a fresh glimpse to their connection years prior. Together they withstood effortless balances and never-ending turns. I surely cannot wait to see their partnership develop over the rest of the run. Watch Ian talk about his Nutcracker memories in this video produced by Principal Dancer Alexander Iziliaev.

Soloist Barette Vance has also kicked off a Nutcracker season to remember! After the curtain came down on her inspirational Dew Drop performance, her boyfriend Chris was waiting backstage to present her with a special gift, a diamond engagement ring!

Top 12 Reasons to See George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker ™

As Pennsylvania Ballet's dancers take the stage for their second weekend of Nutcracker performances, here are a few of the many reasons to come see this holiday classic (if you haven't already!):



1. Forty professional dancers share the stage with dozens of local dance students.
2. A magnificent Christmas tree grows almost as tall as William Penn’s hat (almost).
3. You can travel to the Land of Sweets without spending a dime on airfare.
4. Hear the iconic Tschaikovsky score performed live by the Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra.
5. Lavish sets and costumes bring the heartwarming story of Marie and her Prince to life.
6. Enjoy marzipan, hot chocolate, and candy canes: all calorie-free.
7. Listen to the angelic sounds of the Philadelphia Boys Choir.
8. You’ll get caught in a snowstorm but won’t have to shovel.
9. It’s housed in America’s oldest opera house, the spectacular Academy of Music.
10. It’s just as fresh as when it first began 42 years ago.
11. There’s no greater holiday production in town.
12. It’s Philadelphia’s most beloved holiday tradition!

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit paballet.org.