Step into the world of Nutcracker beyond the spotlight with our exclusive feature, which offers a glimpse into the important place this ballet holds in the lives of so many dancers, their favorite onstage and offstage memories, and the festive traditions that they look forward to every year. In this edition, hear from three Saint Louis Ballet Company Dancers—Michael Burke, Miguel Guevara, and Amy Herchenroether.
Select a topic tab to read the dancers’ stories and insights.
How old were you when you saw The Nutcracker for the first time? Did you see the ballet before you performed in it?
Michael Burke: I don’t remember how old I was when I saw The Nutcracker for the first time. I’m fairly certain that I was performing in it at my small town’s studio as an Angel or Polichinelle before I sat in the audience.
Miguel Guevara: I had actually never seen The Nutcracker before I performed it with Saint Louis Ballet when I was 13.
What’s your favorite Nutcracker memory, on stage or off?
MB: One memory that always makes me smile happened during a matinee when I was performing Cavalier. We had just finished bowing after the adage of the pas de deux and I was walking to the corner to start the coda. Right before I walked upstage, a kid in the audience says, “I hate ballet!” Almost immediately, another person on the opposite side of the orchestra responds, “Well I liked it!” Of course this happens when there is no music playing, so everyone is able to hear it. Luckily, I was facing away from the audience so they couldn’t see me trying to contain my laughter! I hope the first audience member has been able to find some enjoyment in ballet after that performance.
MG: My favorite memory would be when I got to perform as a Polichinelle clown for the first time. It really gave me a chance to make a fool of myself onstage for the first time.
Amy Herchenroether: Touring the backstage area of the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh (my hometown) during my very first Nutcracker as a student with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. The stage seemed absolutely massive, and the anticipation of performing there felt thrilling!
What’s your dream Nutcracker role?
MB: Herr Drosselmeyer.
MG: The Sugar Plum Cavalier.
AH: It’s a tie between the Sugar Plum Fairy and Dew Drop. Both roles really challenged me in different ways, and I was lucky enough to perform them early in my career.
What’s your favorite holiday song?
MB: I don’t have one particular song, but I think Christmas with Nat King Cole is the best holiday album.
MG: “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”
AH: “Last Christmas” by Wham!.
What’s a holiday indulgence or ritual you look forward to every year?
MB: At the last Nutcracker performance, once the snow scene is done and the curtain is about to close for intermission, the crew completely dumps all the remaining snow. If you are lucky, you are able to see the avalanche hit the stage right as the curtain comes down. I love getting to see the fake snowball fights, snow angels, and other shenanigans that ensue.
MG: Sitting by a wood-burning fireplace with a hot drink.
AH: My family used to spend an entire afternoon shortly before Christmas making cookies together at my grandparents’ house. It’s hard to gather everyone for the cookie-making now, but we still manage to gather for cookie eating when everyone is in town for the holiday!
ABOUT THESE ARTISTS
To learn more about Michael, Amy, and Miguel, click here >>
Featured Image: Saint Louis Ballet dancers led by Olivia Cornelius in Waltz of the Flowers. Photo by Kelly Pratt.
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