Nutcracker

I attended the Nutcracker when I was in 3^rd grade.  It was nice.  I remember the Russian dancers.  But it really wasn’t anything special. 

In the past 9 years, I have seen the Nutcracker 12 times – and that is not including the rehearsals that I have attended).  I know the music to the point that I sometimes find myself humming it in the shower or hear it playing in my dreams.  From the 1^st of November, I live and breathe The Nutcracker just like the Diva. 

The Nutcracker is quickly approaching.  While the Diva is so very excited to get on stage and do her thing, I am very excited to sit in the audience and know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that it is over!!  I don’t have to touch another Nutcracker costume or hear that music for another year!

Don’t get me wrong, I love the show.  It is a wonderfully fun ballet – especially the Second Act.  It is just that, having listened to it since September, I am really ready to listen to something else. 

This year we are sharing the event with friends, old and new.  Classmates, teachers, former ballet students, kids of all ages… everyone will fill the audience.  For all those who are coming to see the show, I thank you.  For all those who are coming to also see the Diva in action – I especially thank you!

Each year the Diva asks when family will come.  “Do you think Daddy will come and watch when I am Clara?”  The question breaks my heart as does the answer.  I can not assure her that he will come.  I can assure her that my parents will come when she is Clara.  My cousin said that she would come from New England to see her dance when she is Clara.  But she is not Clara right now.  Right now she is a soldier.  Right now I attempt to fill the audience with friends so that she has someone, beyond me, in the audience to provide support.

And friends do come.  A family friend drives from Maryland each year to see her dance and has since the first Nutcracker when the Diva was nearly 3 years old.  Her best friend from school will sit in the audience for the second year in a row, which means so very much.  New friends of mine will bring their kids while newly found family will arrive via H-2.  And my heart fills with appreciation. 

It is wonderful to be able to celebrate another Nutcracker (despite my feelings about the music) with friends.  Moreover, it is wonderful to have them there – even if they are there for the show more than the Diva – they are there all the same. 

Thank you – from this Diva’s mom’s heart!

 

(And if you are in the area and would like to come – just drop me an e-mail!!)