By the time the first few shows of Nutcracker roll around each year, I’d say most of the dancers in SFB are thinking about how excited they are to finally perform here at home and… HOW are we all going to get through so many shows of a ballet most of us have been dancing since we were eight or nine years old?!?  Well, this year is particularly exciting for me since I am going back on stage for the first time in a LONG time.  Having danced the Nutcracker since I was 8, I have only missed performing in the annual classic three times.  After recovering from knee surgery, I am finally getting back into my tutu and pointe shoes this year to dance the Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen.

Julianne Kepley in Tomasson's Nutcracker (©Erik Tomasson)

I have to confess, it is just as exciting as when I was eight to be back on the Opera House stage, to hear the orchestra tune up and then bourrée out under the spotlight!  It’s also such a pleasure to share the stage again with so many great artists and amazing dancers, who inspire each other to bring our very best to the audience, show after show.  This is one Sugar Plum who’s really happy to be back out there again!