Cameron watched the Nutcracker for the first time last year and she has wanted to perform in it since then. She worked so hard — weekly rehearsals and, towards the end, near-daily rehearsals with the last dress rehearsal at the theatre lasting for over 2 hours (for her part!). She fell ill a couple of times during the rehearsal cycle and she missed some important ones when we went to Los Angeles, but she did it — 4 shows over the weekend after Thanksgiving!
It was amazing to see how this performance came together. I witnessed the very first inklings of her group’s choreography evolve into a coordinated group scene. I was backstage helping with the costumes, fitting the girls, labeling their stuff, learning the “proper” way to tie their ribbons–and the day before the final rehearsal, I was there to help spray-paint ballet shoes gray because a last-minute decision was made that their costumes would look better with gray shoes!
To me and some of the other parents, we wondered how it would all get pulled off. But, of course, it did. And it was spectacular.
Out of sight, out of mind! When they did their final dress rehearsal at the theatre, I’d forgotten a lot of set-up had to happen there as well. Stage scenery, lobby set-up, etc. They had all of the headshots pinned to the walls, too.
Cameron was one of 2 mice who were supposed to come out from behind a cake. As it turns out, the other mouse came down with pneumonia a week before the performance. This girl also adored Cameron and was always wanting to hug her and play with her. Plus, in the scene they’re in, they hold hands and do a little jig for a short minute. Soooo, no surprise that Cameron got sick. She was already on Day 4 by the time performance weekend rolled around, but we kept her heavily medicated for the performance.
By the time the last performance rolled around, Cameron was pretty tired! There were 2 performances each day, one at 1pm and another at 4:30. Call time was an hour before the performance, so these were extremely long days for her!
On the first day, Auntie Christina drove all the way over to do her hair and make-up. On Day 2, I did it. I think I did ok…!
Cameron is the little mouse right in front of the gal holding the cheese. You can see her profile!
And there’s Cameron on the very edge of the left side, looking back towards the Cavalier and the Sugar Plum Fairy!
After the last performance, Cameron was ready to get back on stage. She’s expressing an interest in continuing ballet and in performing again next year, so maybe we’ll have another Nutcracker post around this time next year!
In the meanwhile, we are soooo incredibly proud of her hard work. She worked so very hard to fulfill her dream!
