Memories of The Nutcracker
Christmas isn’t complete until you’ve experienced the magic of Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker. As the ultimate festive entertainment returns to Leeds Grand Theatre next month, we caught up with some of the dancers bringing this timeless tale to life.
Written by Lucy White
Do you remember the first time you saw The Nutcracker?
Sarah Chun in The Nutcracker. Credit Sophie Beth Jones.
Sarah Chun (Principal Dancer at Northern Ballet):
“The first Nutcracker show I saw was choreographed by Gerald Arpino, performed by The Joffrey Ballet. I just remember as a little girl how absorbed I was the entire ballet and how much joy it had brought me, especially during such a festive time of the year!”
Jonathan Hanks in The Nutcracker. Credit Sophie Beth Jones.
Jonathan Hanks (Principal Dancer at Northern Ballet):
“I think the first time I saw The Nutcracker was with Alina Cojocaru dancing Clara at The Royal Ballet. I remember the Christmas tree looked enormous. I always wanted to be in the battle scene because they use the children from The Royal Ballet School to play the mice and soldiers.”
Rachael Gillespie in The Nutcracker. Credit Emily Nuttall.
Rachel Gillespie (First Soloist at Northern Ballet):
“The Nutcracker was actually the first ballet I ever saw. It was by another company and was featured on TV over the Christmas holidays when I was about seven years old. My Mum recorded it for me on VHS, and I just remember loving it so much that I watched it over and over again. I just remember how I loved all the costumes, music and that there were ballerinas in pointe shoes! Little did I know back then it’s not as effortless as it looks!”
What inspired you to become a ballet dancer?
Sarah Chun
“I was always an active child when growing up and was also a bit shy. But when I started taking dance classes, especially ballet, it gave me a platform to express myself in ways that I never imagined. I think what I love and what keeps me inspired to be a ballet dancer is knowing that this disciplined art form gives me such freedom in what I can feel on stage.”
Jonathan Hanks
“I did other styles before I did ballet such a tap, modern and jazz. My teacher, who I trained with at my local dance school, told me that if I wanted to dance professionally then I would need to start taking ballet classes as it’s the main form of dance. I’ve always loved classical music too.”
Rachel Gillespie
“I was always a very energetic child and loved dancing and jumping around to music. I started ballet classes at the age of three and was hooked!”
Dominique Larose and Jonathan Hanks in The Nutcracker. Credit Sophie Beth Jones.
Albert González Orts in The Nutcracker. Credit Emily Nuttall.
Do you have a favourite scene from the ballet?
Rachel Gillespie
“The Snow Scene! It’s really beautiful – the costumes, the music, but most of all, the beautiful snowflake ladies. The dance itself, although it may look effortless, actually entails months of hard work before it goes on stage. There are so many beautiful patterns and it requires great team work and dedication amongst your colleagues to get it right. It’s a real team effort and requires a lot of stamina too – but the end result is so rewarding – and for the audience, its simply breath-taking! It’s very magical.”
Northern Ballet dancers in the snow scene in The Nutcracker. Credit Sophie Beth Jones.
Jonathan Hanks
“My favourite scene is the iconic Grand Pas de Deux in Act II. I’ve always wanted to do it since I was young. It’s challenging but very rewarding. I had to train hard for it but I feel stronger from doing it. The music is beautiful too. I love it.”
For people coming to watch The Nutcracker for the first time this Christmas, what can they expect?
Sarah Chun
“Whether it’s your first time or your 100th time seeing The Nutcracker, you can expect beautiful dancing, gorgeous staging, colourful costumes, classical music, and a great festive time.”
Rachel Gillespie
“To just have a wonderful time!”
