The Nutcracker 2013 – Clara
PHOTO: Natalie St. John and Chandler Dalton as Clara and Dr. Drosselmeyer’s nephew in "The Nutcracker". Richmond Ballet 2013. All rights reserved. Photo by Sarah Ferguson.
PHOTO: Viana Martinez as Clara and David Western as The Nutcracker Prince in "The Nutcracker". Richmond Ballet 2013. All rights reserved. Photo by Sarah Ferguson.
Natalie St. John and Viana Martinez
Tell us your name and your role in The Nutcracker ? Is this your first year dancing the role of Clara?
Natalie St. John: My name is Natalie St. John, and this is my first year as Clara in the Richmond Ballet's Nutcracker.
Viana Martinez: My name is Viana Martinez, and I play the role of Clara in The Richmond Ballet's The Nutcracker. This is my first year dancing the role of Clara.
When did you start dancing ?
Viana: I started dancing at the age of four. This is my second year dancing at The School of Richmond Ballet.
How many hours a day to you rehearse ?
Natalie: During the first few rehearsals, we would rehearse about 2 hours per day. Now that the show is getting closer it can be about 5 hours per rehearsal. That doesn't count the time I spend dancing in my room when I'm supposed to be doing homework!
Tell us about working with the professional company during The Nutcracker?
Viana: Working with the professional company has truly been an educational experience and a real blast. They are all very sweet, with amazing talent. Seeing them rehearse for all of the pieces that will be shown in The Nutcracker is wonderful to watch. the opportunity to perform on stage with such a talented company is an honor and something that I will never forget.
Tell us about working with Ms. Jacob in learning the role of Clara?
Natalie: The choreography for Clara involves a few lifts, which I had never done before. Ms. Jacob spent a lot of time teaching us how to do the lifts safely and beautifully. She was always very patient and encouraging, and it has been such a privilege to work with her.
What are you most excited about The Nutcracker’s opening?
Natalie: The energy backstage right before the show begins. And performing at the Carpenter Theatre knowing the people I love are watching from the audience.
Viana: What are you most excited about as The Nutcracker sets to open on Dec. 14? The most exciting part of opening would definitely be the first time I step on that stage, because it is the first impression I make on the audience.
Editor's note: We attended this show last week and I was in awe. Our 13 year old ballerina had this to say:
The performance put on by the Richmond ballet, ,was absolutely outstanding! From the beautiful costumes to every defined dance move, it was all done with such beauty- everything was perfect. I can't even imagine how much hard work these dancers put into the show! It was amazing. I watched every scene with a smile from ear to ear along with the hope that I can continue dancing and learn to move with such grace and ease. You don't have to be a dancer to love this show, but as one, I know how lucky I am to have seen it. ~ Sophia G age 13
