My first year dancing in the Nutcracker was the year I was playing a mouse.  I remember how much I enjoyed the lights shining on me and the feeling of  being onstage.  At that moment I was most mesmerized by the character of Klara.  I knew then that I wanted to play that role.  I wanted to see what it was like to have such an amazing lead role.  That is exactly what happened.

When I found out I was going to be playing the role of Klara, I couldn’t even describe how I was feeling; this was two years ago.  When I danced this part, I felt like it was just me.  I felt like I was alone in the auditorium.  When I dance this role I felt so free.  This was the  moment when I really decided I wanted to be a dancer.  Playing this role made me realize how much I love to dance and how much I love being onstage.

Dancing has definitely been both amazing and a struggle.  When Nutcracker season comes, school work definitely becomes a challenge.  However, I manage to complete everything and still enjoy the season.  Every Nutcracker season gets me excited.  Nutcracker has now become a part of me and everyone I dance with is like my second family.  Dancing is one thing I will never stop doing.  Something inside of me changes when I dance and I feel so strong and graceful.

Victoria