Notes from the Artistic Director
This year we celebrate our 22nd Nutcracker and Company Season!
This is not our typical year in many ways, but we are the fortunate ones. Navigating any small dance or arts program during a global pandemic is no easy feat, and I wondered if Nutcracker would even be possible this year.
At the end of summer, I sat with Kim and Kerri as we always do, mapping our the year reviewing budgets, brainstorming, and creating opportunities. We all agreed we were not giving up!! Somehow, we would make this year happen!!.. A few weeks later at Nutcracker auditions, we saw the familiar faces of eager children ready to get started and yet again, I found myself skipping across the floor, smiling ear to ear. I still get goosebumps thinking about it. . . .We are forever grateful for our dancer, families, and community that continue to believe in Nunnbetter.
Throughout these 8 weeks, I wanted to shift our energy in a positive direction. We still get to do what we love!!!. . . Dancing, Creating, enriching young lives, and continuing to serve a community which we adore. Adapting and reimagining were the keys to our survival, and I'm confident with our incredible Nutcracker Team and Board Members that we will have another successful year. Kim, you have a heart of gold and the strength during these difficult times. Kerri, I am beyond grateful to have you along my side during the Nutcracker season. Your attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and selfless work are appreciated more than you know. Robin, thank you for your calm sensibility and kindness, Lili, my Odile, thank you for your expertise, style and grace . . . but most of all your passion and wit. Courtney, my Odette, thank you for being such a burst of joy and bright light to my life. Eleanor, you are a true gem. We are so lucky to have you as part of Nunnbetter's faculty and artistic team., but most of all, I'm thankful for your friendship. Leslie and Cody, thank you for lighting up my life, literally! I'm so thankful for my dream team!
Our Nutcracker holds more importance this year than ever. Creating a bit of normalcy for our dancers and families during this unusual holiday season as we all navigate this Covid-world. Let's all remember we are in this together!!!!
Let's Inspire! Let's Uplift! Let's Reimagine!!!
Have a safe and joyous holiday season.
Much love,
Mr Ernie
Notes from Ms Kerri
Who would have thought that in 2020 I'd be wearing a mask with nutcrackers on it while my Nutcracker sweatshirt would feature a nutcracker with a mask on it! But here we are. NDT has always lived by the motto that children and artistic expression come first. In these precarious times, I was so grateful to be part of a dedicated team that was willing to think outside the box to find a way to make this Nutcracker season come alive. I am also proud of every dancer who gave their all to create a new Nutcracker ballet that is still just as joyful and beautiful as all that came before it. From the staff members to the dancers, everyone was very careful to follow all of the CDC guidelines from masks to social distancing without any complaint. They are a testament to the fact that these measures work and are doable for all in any situation. Because so much has been taken from these kids in 2020, I am forever grateful that we have been able to offer them this chance to create something beautiful to remember and be proud of in the years to come.
A Happy, Safe and Healthy Holiday to all,
Ms Kerri
