Published 15:47, December the 7th, 2009
'Cracker' barrel
Three very different takes on a holiday classic and seven different Clara characters on going ‘Nuts’
Four young ladies complete with pink tights and buns and bobby pins are giddy before a party scene rehearsal at the Boston Ballet studios in Back Bay. Some have moved through the ranks to secure the coveted role, another is totally new to the scene. Boston Ballet offers the most traditional “Nutcracker” in the city and these poised dancers strive for perfection in hopes that their performance will help them to become professionals one day.
| Clara: Isabelle Hanson Age: 11, 6th grade Hometown: Brookline Years danced: 7 | Clara: Fiona Wada-Gill Age: 12, 7th grade Hometown: Lexington Years danced: 9 |
Clara: Alexandra Storch Age: 12, 7th grade Hometown: Quincy Years danced: 9 |
Clara: Alexandra Heier Age: 14, 8th grade Hometown: Sudbury Years danced: 12 |
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| How did you prep for this role? |
I haven’t played Clara before. But I was a doll the first year. And then I was an angel. And then I was a polichinelle. And this year I’m Clara. |
I practice with my sister because she was Clara for two years. She gives me a lot of corrections and I get a lot of help my family because they’ve seen ‘The Nutcracker’ many times. | Just a lot of hard work and practice in ballet class. What other roles have you played? This is my first year. You’re first year and you got Clara? [Nods.] |
This is my third year doing it, so I know it pretty well. |
| How would you describe your character? |
She’s very … proper. Are you very prop… No! I’m sure you are. |
She’s a young girl who is very quiet but always happy. ... she’s very inspired and she’s really excited. And you’re good at all those emotions? I think so. |
She’s really happy and she can be sad sometimes and scared. Are you good at all those emotions? I think so. [I practice] by looking into a mirror ... |
She’s very expressive. Are you very expressive? I think so. [laughs] |
| What’s the best part about being Clara? |
You do a lot of dancing and you do a lot of acting. Are you a good actress? I would say so. |
I get to dance with the company and I get to learn different kinds of corrections that help me improve even when I’m not in ‘The Nutcracker.’ |
I like meeting and dancing with a lot of new people that I don’t normally get to dance with. |
Getting to perform with the company is my favorite part. |
| Why should people come and see you in the show? |
Because I’m wonderful. |
It’s really inspiring to see all different kinds of dancing — especially in the Second Act. |
Because I’m really working hard. I think I’m starting to get good at it. |
Well I hope they enjoy the whole show. And I guess that I do it well. |
Boston Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ Today through Dec. 27, The Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston, MBTA: Red/Orange Line to Downtown Crossing; Green Line to Boylston, $35-$162, 617- 695-6950, 
www.bostonballet.org