Our Newest Dancers Reminisce of How It All Began

Karina Hagemeyer as Clara
in th Santa Ana production

Karina Hagemeyer - First season with Sacramento Ballet:

Nutcracker is definitely one of my favorite ballets.  I love everything about Christmas, and so it is impossible not to love Nutcracker.  I have done many different Nuctrackers in my life, and I’m excited to add Sacramento Ballet’s version to my list.  One of my favorite memories is when I got to be Clara at the little tiny studio in Santa Ana, California that I grew up in.  I was so nervous for auditions, since I was the perfect age for Clara.  And when my name was called I was pretty much in shock.  I will never forget the little solo I got to do in Party Scene, the feeling of all eyes on you and the spotlight right in your face.  It’s just this ecstatic joy where you forget everything else.  I was so sad when it was over, but my parents were so proud.  And the photos and enormous bouquets of flowers after the show helped.    

A little "Munchkin" from Flint, MI

Guess This Dancer - She's in her 3rd Season with Sacramento Ballet:

Mila Lavoie - 2nd season with Sacramento Ballet:

The first time I can remember seeing The Nutcracker performed, was when I was three years old; it was James Kudelka’s version, performed by The National Ballet of Canada. The image I remember most clear is the beginning of the second act, the curtain went up, and there was the sugar plum fairy standing inside a huge golden Fabergé egg, which was painted royal blue with gold stars all over the inside. It is truly a gorgeous and magical site. At that very moment I told myself that one-day that would be me standing inside that egg. Nutcracker to me is one of the reasons I dance today, it is a huge part of my life, and I can’t see the holiday season without it.