An experience in the Nutcracker

Swift's very own Alexis Guidotti performed in the Nutcracker Ballet at the Warner Theater in Torrington. Our reporter Fiona King interviewed her about her experience!

One student in 6th grade participated in the Nutcracker this year with the  Nutmeg ballet and danced with pre-professionals on the Warner stage in Torrington. 

So Alexis what did you do to prepare?

"Well, I do 3-hour ballet classes 4 days a week every week." 

"I stretch every night for an hour before I go to bed and I had a 6-hour audition process. First I had to do combinations across the floor by myself, then with a group. Next I had a flexibility test. And lastly, I had a ponte test."

"When the audition process was complete then I had to wait a week for the results after I found out what roles I got (Clara's best friend and lead Ponte clown) a 2-hour rehearsal got tacked onto my schedule every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. I danced hard and practiced everyday so that when the date of the shows came around I was more than prepared to dance."

"The first dress rehearsal was right around the corner and so, I hoped my classmates were just as prepared to dance as I was.  The day was full of excitement and nerves I walked backstage in my long flowy, very very hot, and itchy costume. I  walked on stage and danced listening to my teacher's corrections and applying them as I went. When I got offstage (after 20 minutes) I  was soaking in sweat and very tired, but I was prepared.

What was the day of the show like?

"The day of the show I  got up early made myself a protein smoothie for breakfast and then I  was off. My dad drove me and my 2 sisters who were also performing ( as little clowns) to the theater. We said our goodbyes and then they were off.  We went backstage to our separate dressing rooms. Everyone was bustling around, getting final makeup done, and costume touch-ups. The first hour I had to prepare flew by leaving me with 15 before showtime."