We found some snow in our tent while camping in the Queensland outback and a flake even turned up on our apartment floor in Singapore!

Heidi Zolker & Tim Coleman

Thinking back on our time at Sacramento Ballet, some of our fondest memories are of Nutcracker. It was a fantastic time of year for us and one we always looked forward to. It always amazed us how the show came together so smoothly. Most of the dancers already knew the choreography so the rehearsal period was short and snappy and then we could look forward to a nice long run in the theater - an opportunity to really settle on the stage and enjoy performing. The performances themselves always ran like clockwork. The crew backstage always knew what was going on and the dressers never let us miss a quick change. Not to mention the feat of organization it was to get all those kids made-up, in costume, and on stage without losing any along the way. Having a huge number of children involved really made Sacramento's Nutcracker unique. All the kids and their families were involved with the rehearsals and preparations, sharing the experience with the dancers and making us all feel like one big (very big!) family. There was a great feeling of community surrounding the company at Nutcracker time. We were reminded that we were a part of something special and that we had a very important job - to show the kids, as well as the audience, the magic of performing.

But, the most magical part of Ron's Nutcracker - and we both agree - was the snow scene. The music, set, costumes and choreography (well refined after many years) are beautiful and when you couple them with a veritable blizzard of snow you have something truly magical. After several minutes of severe snowfall you could barely see the other side of the stage and the snow swished ahead of your feet as you jumped. It got in your eyes and mouth and found its way down into parts of your costume you never thought would be possible. It certainly took some getting used to but the effect from the audience is spectacular.For us the feeling of entering the stage as Snow King and Queen, on that huge sled, to the most beautiful piece of music in the ballet, just as the snow starts falling, to meet the Nutcracker and Clara is one we will never forget.  We are often reminded of Nutcracker season, as we still find little bits of snow falling out of belongings even now. We found some snow in our tent while camping in the Queensland outback and a flake even turned up on our apartment floor in Singapore!

Thank you Ron for giving us these memories (and snowflakes) and congratulations on 25 years! 

Heidi Zolker & Timothy Coleman

Bonus Photo: Heidi & Tim as Double Candy Cane!
A very special treat for us, as well as the audience.