Now in my tenth straight year of Nutcracker openings, and after at least six months of planning, I think “By the time it gets to the opening, I’m not sure I’ll be able to stand it!” And it never fails, I walk into the Stage Door a half hour or so before the doors open to the public on Opening Night, and there are all the familiar sights and sounds—the twittering, excited voices of our youngest performers from the SF Ballet School, the smell of freshly brewed coffee coming from the prop master’s office, Company dancers in their sparkly costumes (further be-decked with a cozy sweater or sweatshirt) quietly warming up at the barre and getting into their “zones.”
A little girl poses with a flower and mouse from Nutcracker before one of SF Ballet's Family Performances.
And then I round the corner into the main lobby of the Opera House which never looks less grand or beautiful year after year. Our opening night is a special “Family Performance” and these are my favorite. Once the snow is whirling above the outside steps and the wreaths, garlands and Christmas tree in the lobby are lit up, the glass doors to the main lobby (now a bit smudged with faint images of anxious and curious little noses), open and the magic begins. This year for the Family Performances, each child is handed a complimentary plush reindeer with a secret nutcracker ornament peeking out of its stocking. They are really cute, and I think the parents are as excited and wide-eyed as the kids to receive them!
Marketing & Promotions Associate Valerie Byrnes sorts the juice and cookies for the six Family Performances, graciously donated by Lucky Supermarkets
Everyone looks happy, full of anticipation (and many of the parents relieved to finally be here!). There are opportunities to take photos with some of the costumed characters in the lobby which is HUGELY popular. Even though it is a busy time and I have piles of work on my desk back at my office, I wouldn’t miss helping out at a few of the Family Performances each year. I love to interact with the children and families, take their holiday greeting card photos for them (with the hopes that my hand doesn’t shake and blow their “one shot!”), and see their amazement and delight as they get to meet a real ballerina or shake hands with a giant mouse! I identify with these families because as a parent of two young daughters, it’s these special moments that bring joy to children’s faces and yes, create truly magical memories.
Oh yes, and then there’s the Nutcracker performance!!
One Comment
What a great way of capturing the essence of a treasured holiday tradition, not to mention the holidays themselves!