All Nutcracker-ed Out!
While I wish I could take credit for this post title, it is actually the headline of a newspaper article/commentary that my mom shared with me.
Apparently, I’m not the first mother to question her sanity after encouraging her preschooler to audition for the Nutcracker! Sometimes, as mothers, we cause our own stressors in life! LOL
Anyway, as I shared back in the fall, Mary’s dance studio puts on The Nutcracker every other year and Christmas 2009 was the year of The Nutcracker. Not knowing what I was in for, I eagerly encouraged Mary Catherine to audition. She made it (as did all the little ones, I think) and weekend practices began in October.
For approximately two-hours every Saturday and Sunday October through November, I dutifully sat in my car reading or did some grocery/Christmas shopping while Mary rehearsed with her fellow mouse companions and Mother Ginger children.
The actual performance was on Saturday, Dec. 5th. Friday, Dec. 4th was a long night for the little ones with stage rehearsal lasting from 6 PM until 10 PM…Mary’s usually in bed by 8:30!!! Saturday found us at the high school auditorium by 12:00 noon and we were there for the duration. With dress/costume rehearsal, individual and group photos, and multiple revisions, etc. we never left the high school. Fortunately, a seasoned “show mom” gave me the heads up and I packed the Disney Princess backpack with snacks, drinks, and card/board games.
All these little girls were hidden inside Mother Ginger’s dress. It was so cute to see them all come tumbling out when Mother Ginger clapped her hands!
The show was at 6 PM and lasted about 2 hours. NEVER ONCE did Mary Catherine whine, complain, cry, etc. She was a total trooper and loved being on stage! All in all, The Nutcracker was a great experience for her and while she has expressed disappointment that there will be no Nutcracker in 2010, Mama is breathing a big sigh of relief! Ha!!!
And that’s it! While I have about 300+ other photos from the show, I refuse to bore you with pictures of the other ballerinas (although they were quite magnificent and very professional)!
AND, be sure to come back for a visit tomorrow when I make one last CHRISTMAS post that is sure to be a big ANNOUNCEMENT!!!
She was just too cute!
ReplyDeleteSo... what's the announcement? I've got a guess or two, but I guess I'll just have to wait for tomorrow to find out.
What a cutie. I know you're glad it's over, but aren't you glad she participated? What a neat experience.
ReplyDeleteShe´s so cute!
ReplyDeleteI have to say that it´s fantastic that she didn´t complain even once! It must have been a long day even for her.
Thanks for showing pictures!
Have a great day now!
Christer.
I just love your little Mary in those pictures. Her smiling face is the best! Just made me smile right back at my computer. She looks like she probably is a really funny kid. Does she make you guys laugh allot?
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear your announcment..... Are you???? I won't say it but I want to so bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She is so darling. What a great experience for her. You are an awesome mama!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, I am intrigued...
See you tomorrow :)
Mary made a cute mouse and flower. I bet she had a lot of fun! I know your glad for a year break. :)
ReplyDeleteNo big plans-just hanging out. You?
Have a great one!
Melinda
She is so cute! How wonderful for her to get to perform in the Nutcracker. Can't wait for the big announcement! ;)
ReplyDeleteStop by my place, I have something fabulous for you.
My favorite picture is of you two together. You are such sweet hearts.
ReplyDeletewhat's the announcement? I've got a guess or two, but I guess I'll just have to wait for tomorrow to find out.
ReplyDeleteWork from home India
I feel your pain...I once sat thru a performance of the Nutcracker that lasted 40 days and 40 nights (or so it seemed).
ReplyDeleteAnd since I'm a guy, I can never figure what the dancers are trying to pantomime. "Did someone just shoot his pet badger?" People behind me were shushing me...
:)