I survived – I made it through my first Nutcracker with the San Francisco Ballet! While I have been participating in productions of “The Nutcracker” since I was seven years old, this was my first full run as a company member in an American Company. San Francisco Ballet puts on 31 shows of this holiday tradition and I got the chance to perform in almost all of them. While I did some roles more than others, I was very happy with the variety of parts and opportunities I received. My roles this year included party parent, maid, ballerina doll, snow, flowers, and Spanish.
Nutcracker is a tradition that is filled with opportunities. There are opportunities for the dancers, for the school, as well as for the audience. I have heard countless stories of little girls and boys seeing “The Nutcracker” as their first ballet and having dreams planted in their heads after that special show. Little boys go home wanting to be the prince, or maybe the rat king, and little girls dream of becoming the next sugar plum fairy. Knowing that I had the opportunity to influence a young child was one of the most important things that kept my spirits high during all 31 shows. As a performing artist, I have the opportunity to influence many people, young and old, and that is something that I try to never forget.
Janet Schleimer
Hi there Madison! So happy for you…great pics…always enjoy your posts! Keep em coming. Say hi to your mom!
Jan 07, 2010 @ 13:23
mbb
great pics!! must be fun not to dance the same role night after night. Thanks for posting!!
Jan 10, 2010 @ 16:24
Lori Davis
Miss Keesler - Hello, my name is Lori Davis I obtained your name by my sister, Alisa Mazzie, who works with your mother at Advantage Sales in Pleasanton, CA. My daughter, Malisa, is contemplating trying out for the summer program in SF on February 20th. She will be 15 years old next week and has been dancing since she was 6 - focusing mainly on ballet. She currently goes to school at the Juline School of Dance in Modesto, CA. She is in their pre-professional program and in the Jr. Company. My question to you is, would you be available to be a mentor for her or are you currently out of the country? She is mainly trying out for the experience as we are not sure if she is up to the caliber to go to SF. Any information or comments you have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time. Good Luck to you in your dance career!
Best Regards, Lori Davis
Jan 19, 2010 @ 18:50
Shuriu
Madison, I saw you perform last night! It was such a beautiful show! I didn’t pick you out of “Serenade” because I was too busy crying. That was the best performance I’ve seen of it yet. But I saw you smiling and glowing during “Theme & Variations.” I was so proud of SFB last night. I thought everyone performed their best and were completely on fire. Yay!
Feb 15, 2010 @ 02:26