Meet the Snow Queens of Boston
The Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker snow scene. / Photo provided by Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre
—Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker—
Petra Conti / “Snow Queen”
Why should people come see your version of The Nutcracker?
Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker is simply a timeless holiday classic! Magic for kids, delightful for adults—it’s the perfect holiday-time show. In Boston Ballet’s version, imagination becomes reality. The show has a unique, magical atmosphere, and it’s definitely a tradition that inspires audiences to come and watch it again, every year with the same enthusiasm.
Describe your pre-show routine for us.
In my dressing room, while I’m doing makeup and hair, I’m concentrated and relaxed at the same time. Before a show, I like to take all the time I need to get into character I’m going to perform. I especially focus on the emotional aspects of my role. I also need to keep myself warm by doing many exercises in the backstage area. Most importantly, I like to “feel” the stage before the show, not only in order to review some technical steps, but also to test the floor and my pointe shoes and especially to familiarize with the stage.
What do you like to do around Boston outside of dancing?
I don’t really have much free time outside dancing at the Boston Ballet, while also being a student at Northeastern University. Nevertheless, I love walking around Boston, shopping downtown, relaxing by the Charles River, or simply trying new restaurants in my neighborhood.
***
—Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker—
Madeleine Bonn / “Snow Queen”
Why should people come see your version of The Nutcracker?
I think our version of The Nutcracker stands out because Jose’s choreography is so musical and beautiful! I hope it is as enjoyable for audiences to watch as it is for dancers to dance. Also, we are a very family-like organization and I think that comes across in the warmth of the production.
Describe your pre-show routine for us.
On the days I perform I usually take a lot of alone time to think about how I want to dance that night. I listen to the music I’ll be dancing to in the performance and try to memorize every note by heart…and I’ll often eat a big pasta dinner for breakfast to make sure I have lots of energy!
What do you like to do around Boston outside of dancing?
I love taking walks with my dog around the beautiful ivy and brick streets of Boston/Cambridge, and I enjoy playing my accordion in the Boston Common when it’s not too cold!
***
—Tony Williams Dance Center’s Urban Nutcracker—
Sarah Goddard / “Snow Queen”
Why should people come see your version of The Nutcracker?
Urban Nutcracker combines all kinds of dance, hip-hop, tap, and flamenco with ballet. On top of the variety of dance styles, the music is a combination of Tchaikovsky’s classical score with Duke Ellington’s version. There’s never a dull moment!
Describe your pre-show routine for us.
I pack my bag the night before and always pack extra pointe shoes and tights. The morning of, I make sure I arrive at the theater early, get warmed up, and get my costumes organized. To keep my energy up, I always make sure I eat something prior to the show. My go-to snack is a bagel and a banana.
What do you like to do around Boston outside of dancing?
In search of the perfect chai latte, I like to check out all the different coffee shops around the city.
***
—The Slutcracker—
Lolli Hoops / “Orgasm Queen”
Why should people come see your version of The Nutcracker?
My pre-show routine includes checking my costume, hair, make up, stretching, a backstage dance party, a shot of whiskey, and so much glitter.
Describe your pre-show routine for us.
The Slutcracker is The Nutcracker all grown up with a real-world body positive, sex positive spin. It’s funny, beautiful, full of amazing dancers of all ages, body types, genders, and dance styles. There is truly something for everyone in the show, even those who have no idea what the traditional Nutcracker is.
What do you like to do around Boston outside of dancing?
When not performing with The Nutcracker, I practice and teach yoga and hoop dance classes at local studios. I run the local hoop performance group the Boston Hoop Troop. And I spend the year performing with my fellow sluts in burlesque shows all over the city, including the burlesque festival I co-produce, Alterna-TEASE. The rest of my time is spent lounging on my couch drinking wine with my boyfriend or walking our dog.
Interviews have been edited and condensed.
***
Check out the productions for yourself:
Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker, $35+, through December 31 at the Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston, bostonballet.org.
Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker, $20+, through December 6 at the Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont St., Boston, December 11-20 at the Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Rd., Dorchester, ballettheatre.org.
Urban Nutcracker, $25+, December 11-27, Back Bay Events Center, 180 Berkeley St., Boston, urbannutcracker.com.
The Slutcracker, $27, December 4-31, Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville, theslutcracker.com.
