We left The Nutcracker safely laired last winter, curled up to dream of sugarplums dancing and mice gnawing for the long spring and summer. Unlike most hibernating creatures, The Nutcracker drowses through the warm weather and awakens for the cold. Being September, the Department of Dance at Butler has begun preparations for The Nutcracker.
The Butler Ballet in The Nutcracker, 2010
Each year, the Department of Dance mounts two full-length classical ballets as well as a full evening of short pieces (Midwinter Dance Festival). Past years have included, in reverse chronological order, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Cinderella, and Giselle. And The Nutcracker, always The Nutcracker. Like most ballet companies, the Butler Ballet relies on the traditional Nutcracker productions to keep afloat. This means most dancers have performed the ballet approximately way too many times.
No, I actually like The Nutcracker, though I also like to complain about The Nutcracker. It’s nostalgic, for sure, extremely familiar, a sign of the winter holidays and family and many years spent with ballet friends and colleagues. As much as I’m nervous for this year’s performance — I am one of the two Sugar Plum Fairies — I am excited to get into the full swing of rehearsals.
Will I see you at Clowes Hall this year on December 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th?
[...] I haven’t written about this before… I’m actually dancing as the Snow Queen now. I injured my foot earlier this semester and the faculty decided to take me out of the Grand Pas so [...]
Hooray! You should definitely come! I hope your sister enjoys her final months in Haiti.
You are one of the sugar plum fairies…how exciting! My sister is getting back from Haiti two weeks prior to the performances so I am hoping to get her to come with me.
Hi Jennifer,
I’m glad you are considering Butler! Being from Virginia, I understand the annoyance of long-distance travel for auditions. You do need to come to Butler for an audition, though, if you want to apply to the Dance Department. A few things to think about before traveling up here:
- Do you want a liberal arts environment (versus a conservatory)?
- Do you want a program based in classical ballet?
- Are you open to learning all sorts of other techniques?
- Does Butler offer the classes you want, both in and outside the dance major?
- Could you live in Indianapolis? Could you fly/drive a substantial distance for the holidays?
These are a few questions I pondered before deciding to audition at Butler. I hope these help! Did you have anything more specific you wanted to know? I’d be happy to answer any other questions you have.
Olivia
Olivia,
I am a High School senior, also dancing the sugar plum fairy role in my company’s Nutcracker. I am looking at Butler for my college career. Can you give me some pointers? I live in Georgia, so scheduling a visit is tough.
Thanks.
Jennifer