The Nutcracker // 2014

by Ashley Weeks Cart

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This weekend was a particularly special one. My family watched Sunny “dance” (i.e. prance) across the stage in her inaugural “Nutcracker.” Kimmy and I danced for Boston Ballet’s school as children, and my family sat through many a performance of The Nutcracker during the 90s. The music is in our core. We could probably (and by probably, I mean definitely) reenact the choreography for the entire production on demand. So this passing of the sleigh, as it were, sure was emotional.

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My father burst into tears at the first note of The Snow Scene, and the rest of us were all in tears by the time those itty bitty reindeer “pulled” Clara’s sleigh across the stage (thank goodness for the valiant Snow Cavalier who pushed from behind). Our pediatrician’s daughter was Clara, so it was particularly fun for both Sunny and Courtland to see Dr. Art’s daughter in the lead role.

And, Courtland, I have to comment on how enchanted she was with the entire show. I wasn’t sure if she’d get bored and loud and antsy, particularly during the Waltz of the Flowers because even I start to fade during that dance, but she was completely engaged and enthralled by the dancers on stage, showing a particular preference for The Sugar Plum Fairy and the Dew Drop Fairy (surprise surprise).

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^^Find Sunny at the front right of the sleigh. She was beaming throughout, and resisting the urge to gaze from side to side at all the the dancers while on stage.^^

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^^I think that these selfies she captured while waiting backstage say it all. She was just so very happy. We all were.^^

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^^There’s nothing quite like that post-performance high. I am so grateful that my daughter now knows that feeling. She’s already talking about next year’s performance!^^