And so it ends!! As of Sunday, December 23, 2018, at 5:25P, my Nutcracker cherry was finally popped--and to be quite honest, with all jokes aside, it was the most painfully beautiful experience I have had yet as a performer. Though I have been involved in evening length performances that last throughout an entire weekend and performed on major stages before, there is something to be said about performing in consistently sold out theaters for two hours each show… with four shows each weekend…. for two weekends straight… which does not include the community shows and promotional performances. One of the most humbling and difficult parts of this experience is dancing alongside some major key performers, people who have not only performed Ballethnic’s Urban Nutcracker and/or other Nutcracker productions before, but dancers who are featured favorites of pages like International Association of Blacks in Dance, ProAction Dance, and Black Boys Dance Too. Based on the perspective you decide to take, the experience as a professional adult Nutcracker first-timer can be an extremely intimidating one or an incredibly enlightening one. Here are three strong suggestions for how to smilingly survive your first Nutcracker Season.
- NVA (Nutcracker Virgin Aid) # 1: LEARN THE ENTIRE BALLET--THE STEPS, THE SCORE, AND THE STORY!!!!
I mean… This is pretty basic advice; a pro performer knows that researching your repertoire is requisite. For works like Urban Nutcracker, it is even more necessary as there are details that differ from the original choreography and storyline. In learning those details (e.g.: the Nutcracker doll being made in the likeness of Marcus Garvey, the significance of Auburn Street and Coca-Cola to Atlanta natives, the bass boost and/or tempo increase in each song), my connection with the work grew quickly and deeply. Also, if it is your first time doing a Nutcracker production, no matter how proficient you are in the technique, it will be highly unlikely that you snag any of the coveted pas de deux roles and very likely that you will be cast in multiple corps and lead roles. Though only performing in six roles throughout the production, I learned eight roles, which meant 4 quick changes! Trust me, it’s very possible to do when you know your timing in between each song and plan accordingly. Going to as many rehearsals outside of company rehearsals also helps greatly. As with our production many of the the guest artists--who knew the production very well--did not come in until the last four weeks; with that, many of the other performers were youth ensemble members and students in the academy. Going to the other rehearsals greatly aiding me in understanding what the outcome should look like--which was especially useful when asked to teach choreo on the spot. Again, KNOW 👏🏿 YOUR 👏🏿 SHOW 👏🏿.
- NVA # 2: KEEP YOUR MIND AND BODY PERFORMANCE READY.
I had to take a lot of drastic measures to ensure I could persist through this season. I had to let go of another job in order for me to get enough sleep before company rehearsal every morning and get rid of the pectoral inflammation I was dealing with. Ginger, turmeric, kale lettuce, fiber, fish, and water were mainstays in almost every meal. Since my technical proficiency was notably behind the rest of the company members and I had the time, I started taking more classes outside of the morning company classes. On another note, during the dress rehearsal for the full run of the Urban Nutcracker, I had an anxiety attack (my third anxiety attack ever). It was the result of missing an article of clothing from a costume while performing, which lead to a search for that costume piece that caused missing an entrance for another part of the show. With the onset of another fine for the incidents (I received a fine the week prior for another costume faux pas), I flipped out--hyperventilating, swearing, clenching my fists, etc. This is where preparation, communication, and meditation are MAJOR KEY. Make sure that you relay to all who are assisting you specifically in the production what your needs are, and find the time and space where you can ensure everything that you need for the performance is exactly where you need it to be. Most of all, however you are connected to the Most High, BE ON THAT 24/7.
- NVA # 3: STAY IN A PLACE OF GRATITUDE!! 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿
Oh, how easy it is to get caught up in the hype of everything happening around you! I cannot tell you how many times I felt insecure about my process because I could not grasp what the directors were asking of me, or how “below level” I felt compared to other dancers. I kept reminding myself of the blessing of this opportunity: I do not know other primarily non-classical dancers who say they performed lead roles or solos in their first Nutcracker production at 29 years old. Plus, I am now part of a legacy 25 years running--alongside the 100+ years of the original Nutcracker. Realizing the rarity of this moment led to some of my best moments in the studio and on the stage. Literally, your attitude will determine your--and your legs’--altitude. Period.
Something I will take away from this experience and bring into the next semester is the advice Mr. Waverly and Mrs. Nena gave to me throughout the season: “Brandon, once you stop pretending like you’re doing ballet and calm down, you’ll be able to do all of the things we’re asking you to do and perform the way you want to.” When you are living the life that you prayed for, there is no need for uncertainty in your abilities or comparisons to others. Your process will be what it needs to be and what you make of it. Keep that in mind for your next (or first) Nutcracker Season!
Something I will take away from this experience and bring into the next semester is the advice Mr. Waverly and Mrs. Nena gave to me throughout the season: “Brandon, once you stop pretending like you’re doing ballet and calm down, you’ll be able to do all of the things we’re asking you to do and perform the way you want to.” When you are living the life that you prayed for, there is no need for uncertainty in your abilities or comparisons to others. Your process will be what it needs to be and what you make of it. Keep that in mind for your next (or first) Nutcracker Season!
Let's open the conversation! What was your first Nutcracker experience like? What other tips would you give to a Nutcracker first-timer? For well-seasoned Nutcracker performers, how does performing during Nutcracker Season affect the rest of your performances for the year (through late spring)? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below, or e-mail me your responses to this article at averybrandon0812@gmail.com. Thank you for your time, and stay elevé-ted!
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