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 four San Francisco Ballet Company Artists—Principal Dancer Sasha De Sola, Soloist Isabella DeVivo, Demi Soloist Alexis Francisco Valdes, and Apprentice Aaliyahmarie Key.
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?
Alexis Francisco Valdes: I was eight years old, back in Cuba. I saw it before I performed it, and it was one of the most magical experiences I could have had as a kid starting out in the ballet world.
Sasha De Sola: I was six years old when I first saw The Nutcracker, and I was completely captivated by its storytelling magic—the music, the movement, the production elements, and the way the dancers brought the story to life. A year later, I had the chance to perform in it myself as a Bon Bon (similar to the clowns in SF Ballet’s version). From the moment I stepped onstage, I fell in love with performing. That experience sparked something in me, and I knew then that I wanted to become a professional ballet dancer.
Aaliyahmarie Key: I was nine years old when I first watched The Nutcracker. My favorite part was the Waltz of the Flowers. It’s such a beautiful scene and I remember being so excited at the idea of performing it one day.
Isabella DeVivo: I believe I was seven years old when I watched The Nutcracker for the first time. My mom gifted me the DVD of the New York City Ballet version, featuring Macaulay Culkin as the Prince. I remember watching it every night before bed for a good month leading up to the holiday season. My poor mother suffered through and kept me company, most likely deeply regretting that purchase. She wasn’t surprised in the slightest when I asked to audition for the School of American Ballet, NYCB’s associate school, the following year. Like it is for so many, The Nutcracker was my introduction to ballet. I watched in awe hoping to be Clara, and one day, the Sugar Plum Fairy. This memory stays with me as I portray the roles I dreamed of as a young girl. Maybe, there are a few future ballet dancers watching today.
What’s your favorite Nutcracker memory, on stage or off?
AFV: The first time I performed the Russian dance with SF Ballet, I was just 18 and still a trainee. It was such a fun experience, but also really nerve-wracking. In Nutcracker, the Russian dancers come out of big eggs, and we peek through a little hole in the paper that hides us inside. I remember being inside the egg, so nervous that I was practically praying. In my nerves, I forgot to hold onto the wall of the egg, and when the crew pushed it onto the stage, they pushed so hard that I fell to the side. I lost sight of the little hole in the paper, so when I scrambled to get up, I had to jump out quickly because the maestro was already signaling the music to start. I definitely learned a lot that night—but most importantly, I had so much fun.
SDS: I have so many fond memories of The Nutcracker over the years that it’s nearly impossible to choose just one. I love the way the production instantly evokes that familiar sense of holiday excitement—a feeling deeply rooted in my own childhood memories of performing in it. Having the chance to share the magic of The Nutcracker with the next generation is incredibly special. There’s something truly unforgettable about seeing the awestruck look in a child’s eyes—a powerful reminder of why I fell in love with performing in the first place.
A more specific memory that stands out is when I was first cast to dance the Ballerina in the Grand Pas de Deux. I was in the corps de ballet, young, and very nervous. Our Head of Props at the time, Ken Ryan, noticed my nerves before my first performance. He gently came to me and reminded me that I wouldn’t have been given the opportunity if they didn’t believe I could do it. His thoughtful and generous encouragement at just the right moment gave me the confidence to go out there, dance my best, and enjoy the experience. I still think about that moment often during Nutcracker season and try to be that same source of encouragement for others now.
AK: A few years ago, my friends and I made a mini fort under our dressing room tables. We all brought snacks and blankets, and we watched The Nightmare Before Christmas until it was time to get ready for our show.
ID: A few seasons ago. I was playing the role of Bridget, more commonly known as the Little Maid in the Party Scene of Act 1. My character interacts closely with Gertrude, the Mean Maid, who was portrayed by one of my closest friends, Maggie Weirich. We’ve been lucky to know each other since school, and we always have the best time performing side by side. Bridget is a little unorganized and eccentric, and Gertrude, who is high-strung and orderly, bosses her around. We really developed our own story and found ways to entertain the Party Children, ourselves, and hopefully the audience. There were so many moments that I had to try my absolute hardest to contain my laughter and stay professional. Maggie was just too exceptional! It’s always a special time sharing the stage with friends.
What’s your dream Nutcracker role?
AFV: The Snow King has always been one of my dream roles to perform. I’ve been lucky enough to perform it before, and I can’t wait to do it again this year. Also, like every dancer’s dream, the Nutcracker Prince is the ultimate goal, and I’m hopeful I’ll get to dance that role someday! Or the King of the Mice.
SDS: I’ve always been completely enamored with the music for the adagio in the Grand Pas de Deux—it gave me goosebumps as a child, and it still does to this day. Tchaikovsky’s score is so rich and emotionally layered, and that particular moment feels especially transcendent. It’t the section I always dreamed of dancing, and for that reason, it has always been—and will always be—my favorite. Getting to move through that music is something I’ll never take for granted. I also think I’d have quite a bit of fun as the King of the Mice!
AK: I have two dream Nutcracker roles: Arabian lead and Flower Queen.
ID: My dream role in Helgi Tomasson’s Nutcracker is without question the King of the Mice. I cannot imagine anything more rewarding than hearing the children in the audience respond with their laughter in real time. Playing the villain in the story is a big responsibility. It requires full commitment and ownership, but there seems to be plenty of room for individuality and most importantly, fun. (No spoilers, but the King of the Mice’s exit is incredible)
What’s your favorite holiday song?
AFV: There are so many! “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by Frank Sinatra, “Underneath The Tree” by Kelly Clarkson, “Snowman” by Sia or “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano. I can’t just pick one, they’re all my favorites.
SDS: My favorite holiday song is “White Christmas,” as performed by Bing Crosby and Marjorie Reynolds. There’s something nostalgic, heartfelt, intimate, and peaceful about it—all the qualities that the heart of the holiday season inspires. Every time I hear it, it brings a sense of comfort and timelessness that feels like home.
AK: “Last Christmas” by Wham!
ID: “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey. It’s a classic!
What’s a holiday indulgence or ritual you look forward to every year?
AFV: Most of the time, I spend Christmas with my friends and colleagues since we’re in full Nutcracker season. But at the end of the year, I get to spend that time with my family. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are the big celebrations for us. We prepare a whole banquet of Cuban food and all sorts of traditional dishes, then we do a bunch of rituals. One of my favorites is the twelve grapes (six green and six purple). After the clock strikes midnight, we eat them, and with each grape, you make a wish. It’s such a special way to start the new year.
SDS: In my family, our big holiday celebration has always been on Christmas Eve. It’s a special moment dedicated to spending time with loved ones and reflecting on the year gone by. One of the things I look forward to most is hallacas, a traditional Venezuelan holiday dish. Growing up, my entire family would gather at my tía’s house for a full, bustling day of preparing them—and, of course, enjoying them together afterward. One of my favorite memories is of my mom playing the cuatro and singing traditional Venezuelan holiday songs, filling the house with music and adding to the joyful energy of the night.
AK: Drinking hot chocolate and watching Christmas movies with my friends.
ID: For the last few years, I’ve been enjoying a lovely roast dinner on Christmas Day with my closest friends and family. I know it doesn’t sound terribly exciting, but in the midst of the Nutcracker madness, it’s nice to slow down and enjoy some merriment myself. I’ll have the fireplace burning, the cabernet open and poured, my dog on my lap, and my people close by. It’s all I can ask for.
ABOUT THESE ARTISTS
To learn more about Alexis, Sasha, Aaliyahmarie, and Isabella, click here >>
Featured Image: Sasha De Sola in Tomasson’s Nutcracker // © San Francisco Ballet, photo by Lindsey Rallo.
© 2025 En Face Ballet Collection Creative Studios. Concept and Design by En Face.
