The Snow Queen Tells All: An Inside Look at the Nutcracker Experience

The Snow Queen Tells All: An Inside Look at the Nutcracker Experience

 Every year, more than 100 dancers from Wilton Dance Studio come together to present the Nutcracker ballet. This year, the performance is one December 9th. Each day counting down to the performance, we’re sharing insider secrets and cast interviews about what it’s like to bring holiday magic to life. Today we’re sharing thoughts from Isabella Randazzo, this year’s Snow Queen, a leading role in the ballet.

Why are you part of the Nutcracker?

Isabella: It’s half because it’s a tradition every year at the studio, and a ballet tradition in general, and half because I love Christmas!

Were you surprised to find out you got the part of the Snow Queen?

Isabella: I have had my heart set on the part for a long time but it was completely unexpected. Last year, I was Dew Drop and three years ago, I was Ballerina Doll. I just started doing the Nutcracker a few years ago. Most girls start much earlier.

 What got you interested in joining the Nutcracker?

Isabella: It was seeing it every year, coming early to the studio and watching the older girls rehearse and get to try on their tutus. The costumes, the music. It all seems magical. The Nutcracker is special because of the rehearsal process. Everyone is together a lot of the time and we really bond. The whole studio gets together and it’s a really special event for all the dancers.

What’s been surprising to you this year compared to other years?

Isabella: We have updated the choreography in a lot of good ways that I wasn’t expecting. It has challenged me a lot more than in previous years.

Any advice for younger dancers who want to get a special part like the Snow Queen?

Isabella: Work hard! I wouldn’t be where I am not if I hadn’t spent time practicing, going to class. I pride myself on the commitment and working hard at honoring it. You have to prove in the audition that you have worked hard and deserve the role. And you have to have fun. You won’t get the part if you don’t look like you’re having fun.

The Wilton Dance Studio production of The Nutcracker will be on Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 1 and 4:30 p.m. at Wilton High School’s Clune Performing Arts Center. To buy tickets, call 203-544-9007 and leave a message or visit www.wiltondance.com and click on the link in the center of the home page to download & print the ticket order form and fax it to the school at 203-544-8820. Tickets are also available at the door on the day of the show.