A Year Without Nutcracker…

The weather turned today which is saying a lot because I live in the South, but fifty-eight degrees is cool for late September. I’m thinking of Nutcracker. Auditions usually are earlier than this but somehow, I’ve put it out of my mind this year.

The weather reminded me of the furious preparation, the chords of Sugar Plum while it’s still possible to sweat on the way to get the mail, the flurry of assessing costumes, season ticket orders, and everything else associated with the holiday classic.

Many companies, local, regional, and professional alike rely on the Nutcracker to make their budget for the entire year. Some companies receive eighty percent of their revenue from ticket sales during Nutcracker.

This year is a big hit. We can look at it that way or… We can try to see opportunity in disaster.

Let’s Look Forward.

I remember years when I fought to put up the tree at my home after the last performance on December 23. All I felt like doing was lying on the sofa and being visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Let’s take our time this year. Do the little things. Contact everyone that we’ve meant to write or call in a long while.

Let’s keep our skills sharp. Work on our technique. Teach and impart any of our knowledge and support to the students under our care.

Nutcracker will rise again. Can you imagine the crowds next year? Will you be ready?

Please consider making a generous donation to the local schools around you who usually produce Nutcracker. Times are slim this year. Help them make it to the next, but enjoy the quiet and solitude. Relish it! Enjoy the Autumn and the time leading to Christmas. You may not have a chance like this again!

Live each day!  Stay Strong!