The Truth About the Nutcracker

The day has finally come for Zoe's Nutcracker performance! She had auditioned back in September, and has since spent every Saturday, and other days here and there rehearsing for the show.
After a long night of rehearsing yesterday, and worries about the owner who had suffered a concussion due to a fall, Zoe woke up ready and excited to perform. She is now able to do all of her own stage makeup, and I assisted with her hair. I love watching the girls all check in with their laundry baskets full of costumes and gear.


Mimi, Gramps, and Jax came down to see the first show with Joe, Cooper and I.

This Nutcracker performance is a variation of the traditional Nutcracker in that it focuses on how God reaches Clara when she faces grief during the holidays. It is incredibly inspirational and we were blessed to be a part of it! I wish I could have gotten good pictures during the performance, but without the flash it made it difficult. Hopefully the professional photographer got some good ones!
Zoe was in the opening grave scene, and one of the "party children".
Her next dance was the Angelic Host. This is the dance she's been able to perform 4 other times around the community over the last couple of weeks, only with a smaller group of girls.

During Act 2, she performed a cute number as a "Candy Cane", with fun hula hoops.
They also did a fun choreographed finale dance before taking their final bow.
I was able to check Zoe out after the show for about 25 minutes to take a few pictures and grab a snack before the next show.
We are so proud of our girl!
Kim and Bev also came down to see the show. We were so happy to have them there!
Mimi brought a gift for Zoe, a beautiful Nutcracker snow globe and ornament.
Since we only had a few minutes, Zoe said her goodbyes and jumped in the car to eat some fruit before we had to head back in.
I was working as a backstage runner for the evening show. It was fun to be back there with the dancers to get some pictures, and be a part of the chaos and excitement behind the scenes!
These 3 girls, Lindsay, Sonia, and Zoe, have gotten so close over the last few months....they make quite a trio!

Zoe's friend Paige played Clara for our Nutcracker. She is a beautiful dancer, with the kindest heart I've ever seen. She has been a great support and role model for Zoe.

There was so much excitement after the show! The girls were full of mixed emotions...happiness that they had made it through and put on a phenomenal show, but also a little sad that is was over after so many months of hard work! Zoe has really dedicated herself to this production and has loved being a part of it.
After some cleanup backstage, we headed out for a big cast party. The dancers were ready to celebrate (until midnight!)!

We are so thrilled that her first Nutcracker performance was such a positive one. Although the schedule has been crazy, the months have flown by, and she is looking forward to being a part of it again next year!