"They accepted her as just one of the dancers."

I am writing this for my daughter Barbara Crow. I talked to Barb about her  "Nutcracker rememberings" :-) her words....

"Just being there and part of the ballet was so much fun. I was in the Nutcracker starting in 1995 for 8 seasons. In the beginning I loved being in costume and on the stage. After awhile I  also loved being back stage. I loved all the dancers and it was so exciting to be part of the show. I am so glad I was able to be in the Nutcracker with my sister Susan, and once my Dad and my brother Matt were in the ballet too, we joked with Mom that she had to be in the audience cause someone had to watch the show. I also liked doing the promotional events and the parades. I know I have Down Syndrome, and Ron let me be in the Nutcracker because I really wanted to be there and to show my community that everyone can dance.  Thank you Ron and Carinne for the wonderful memories."  

Love, 

Barbara Crow

As I type this out for Barb I am struck by what an important experience this was for Barbara and our Family. I was a back stage mom from the get-go because they were unsure how Barb would be back stage. It became apparent very quickly that I was not needed as a chaperon.  All the dancers, kids and professional, were so sweet and supportive with Barb. They accepted her as just one of the dancers. This was a chance for her to grow in ways that are immeasurable. This past summer she was a speaker at the National Down Syndrome conference. She spoke with confidence about her experiences in her community. Sacramento Ballet was one of her main topics. The other young adults were so interested in her stage experience and she was so proud to share her times on the stage. 

So thank you again, Ron. You truly made a wonderful difference in Barbara's life. 
Katherine Crow