WRITTEN By Sarah McKinney | Photography By Jill Stripling Photography
I remember it well. I was six years old and still learning the proper order in which to layer my ballet apparelāfirst tights, then leotard, elastic waistband, and finally a pair of pink ballet shoes. Every week, my mom pulled my hair into a tight bun on the crown of my head, checked my ballet bag, and gave me one last look before whisking me away to lessons with Miss Cece at the Theatre School of Dance.
I remember the way the cold floor felt beneath me as we sat patiently in our places before class. I remember peeking into an adjacent studio and watching the ābig girlsā float effortlessly across the floor, their skirts flowing in waves around them.
I also remember the pomp and circumstance of my first recitalāthe dress rehearsals where moms held piles of tulle tutus while little girls crawled between rows of chairs, waiting their turn to practice on stage. I remember the heaviness of eyelashes, blush, and lipstick applied expertly to show up under the bright stage lights.
Thereās something so special about those early dance experiences, and to this day, I hold them close. That same year, my mom took me to see The Nutcracker, presented by the Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet, and 30 years later, I still cherish that experience.
We dolled up in āfancy,ā festive attire, swept through a cloud of hairspray and perfume, and I may have slipped a swipe of Momās lipstick before leaving the house. I wore a burgundy coat with faux fur around the collar that made me feel just like the American GirlĀ® doll, Samantha. Remember, this was the 1990s, and apparently, thatās all it took for six-year-old Sarah to have the time of her life! And that was only the beginning.
Before the ballet, we met up with my Aunt Barbara and cousin Britneyāfriends we call familyāat a local Italian restaurant that served sweet mint tea out of giant goblets, too big to hold even with two hands. Everything about the night was special, and we hadnāt even made it to the theater yet.
Upon arrival, I distinctly remember the sounds of the orchestra warming up, the chatter of the crowd, and the occasional burst of laughter. We took our seats, and for the rest of the evening, I was entranced. The costumes, the beauty, the musicāit was all such a magical experienceā one that you can celebrate this holiday season as well.
This December, the Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet will once again celebrate this beloved holiday classic at Riverview Theater. This much-anticipated annual performance will feature more than 100 talented local dancers, guest artists Annia Hidalgo and Cristian Laverde Kƶnig, and the beautiful music of the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra. Youāre invited to share in this sweet tradition, and create your own cherished memories with the ones you love.
The Nutcracker, presented by the Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet, featuring The Shreveport Symphony Orchestra
Sat & Sun ā¢ Dec 13 & 14 | Purchase Tickets
