I recently shared about my love for The Nutcracker and how it all began at BalletMet here in Columbus, Ohio. So when I was invited to attend the premiere of the new full-length documentary “Finding Clara”, I was beyond excited and honored.
Produced by Justice Studios, “Finding Clara” is a wonderful behind-the-scenes look at the journey of 4 BalletMet “Claras” as they go from auditions, to the moment they find out they have won the role, to months of challenging rehearsals to that magical moments they first step on the stage. It not only documents how they each “find their own Clara”, but as BalletMet Artistic Director Edwaard Liang said at the premiere, it’s a story of how they find themselves as well.
Having been in BalletMet’s Nutcracker several times as a child, I was still blown away by this production. Elevate Pictures did a wonderful job really depicting the full journey these girls take; and the young ladies- the Claras (Molly, Lauren, Alaina and Isabelle)- so poised! During the Q&A Isabelle mentioned that she is now living/studying at the School of American Ballet in New York City. My 12 year old was super impressed with this; and saw this as a young woman really going after her dream.
I also have to say, I got choked up a few times as I watched Daryl Kamer on the screen; as I can remember being in class with her myself. What a wonderful legacy she has created of not only the love of dance but of the Nutcracker in Columbus.
Now that opening night for the 2018 BalletMet shows are just around the corner (Dec 7 -23 at the Ohio Theatre), you can get in the mood by seeing the behind-the-scenes action before the curtain goes up. You can now own or rent Finding Clara from amazon or iTunes. OR….
How about winning this great Giveaway package from Justice! 1 lucky winner will receive:
- a Finding Clara Blu Ray
- a Finding Clara poster
- Justice headband
- Justice locket
- Nutcracker ornament
To enter:
- Comment below with one of your Nutcracker Memories
- Additional entry on Instagram here
GIVEAWAY CLOSED
Giveaway ends on December 7 at 10 pm, must be 18 to enter. Contest not sponsored by Instagram.
Thanks to Justice for inviting my daughter and I to the premier and for providing this gift box to giveaway. All opinions and memories are my own.
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At 42 years young, I get the opportunity to join my 7 year old daughter not once but TWICE this coming week to see The Nutcracker(Girl Scouts planned and elementary school surprise field trip). Since I can’t comment on that yet I will say my love of theater came after my middle school English teacher rewarded her best students with a trip to Peter Pan. I was hypnotized! I think it was the Ohio Theater about 1987. I want to share that with my child! I can’t wait to see that one again as an adult! I am floating on cloud 9 this week waiting to see The Nutcracker!
Eek! How exciting! You sound much like me! My love started of dance and theatre started young and now I can’t wait to see the show with my mom and daughter this year. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful time (2x!)
I’d love to be able to share these fun treasures with my daughters. We have been to The Nutcracker and LOVE it. We aren’t able to go this year, but maybe next!
Definitely treasures!
This is my daughter’s first year taking ballet and she dreams of being Clara some day. I am taking her this weekend to see the Nutcracker for her first time, along with her two grandmothers, so I know we will have a memorable afternoon 🙂
Ahh the dream of all little dancers of being Clara (I remember it well!) I am so excited for you all to have a wonderful multigenerational experience this weekend! YAY!
CONGRATS Danielle! You are the winner! I will contact you about getting the box of goodies to you for your little dancer!
I have heard of The Nutcracker all my life and adore the music. However, i have never actually seen it and would very much enjoy doing so!
Truly is magical live. Maybe someday my friend….
Seeing the wonder and excitement from my kids when seeing the performance for the first time.
YES!! So true!
Taking my daighter to her very first nutcracker downtown when she was so little, after watching it over and over on pbs. Best memory other than going myself the first time.
What a wonderful memory Janet! Thanks for sharing!