"now it's my turn to inspire all the little ones"

I walked out of the studio door last Saturday from a full company and student run through of the Waltz of the Flowers to the best surprise a dancer could ask for.  A little girl named Parker handed me a drawing of the two of us along with a note about how she "very much enjoyed my dansing."  Moved beyond words I gave her a hug and told her that I would immediately hang it up in my dressing room spot where it has made me smile everyday since.  I was moved because I was once that little girl.  As a child, the company members of the Sacramento Ballet were my heroes and I wanted to be just like them "when I grew up."  Everything about them was magical to me and no other ballet more fully showcased that then the Nutcracker.  The dancers took me to another land where magic came to life and dreams became reality.  It never really matter what role I had, I just wanted to be part of it and surround myself with these awe-inspiring people.  Now, in my 8th season as a professional with the company and approaching my 18th year performing in this production of the Nutcracker I am humbled by the thought that now it's my turn to inspire all the little ones out there.  I can't wait to show them that dreams do come true.  Parker's drawing reminded me that I fell in love with dance because it was a source of inspiration and an outlet for passion.  Performing in the Nutcracker annually is like returning to my roots and I do it for all the kids out there that dream big.

Alexandra Cunningham

Nutcracker Cast: Amy Seiwert (Marzipan)
Kirsten Bloom (Sugar Plum Fairy)
Bridget Baker (Spanish)
Jared Nelson (Nutcracker)
Alexandra Cunningham (Clara)
Dallas Lundquist (Snow King)