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Photos courtesy of Melissa Dooley.
The waltz of the flowers.
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Snow scene in “The Nutcracker.”
It’s a beautiful sight, any day or night, to see dancers whirling in a winter wonderland.
Though there’s little snowfall outdoors during a Birmingham December, there are daily snow showers inside Samford University’s Wright Center for Alabama Ballet’s annual production of “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker.”
In “The Nutcracker,” the scenes of the “Waltz of the Snowflakes” and the “Waltz of the Flowers” are filled with ensembles of identically clad pale snowflakes and pink flowers who move in unison, creating shapes and patterns across the stage and presenting the thrilling sight of many people dancing together at once.
For Alabama Ballet’s Gillian Connor, Asha Gangolli and Jenna McCoy, dancing in the snow corps and flower corps is a regular part of what dancers call “Nutcracker season.”
Corps dancers may not be alone in the spotlight like the Sugar Plum Fairy, but their function is just as vital to classic story ballets. One might think of them as similar to the chorus in an opera or symphonic work. In the world of ballet, the term “corps” is short for the French term “corps de ballet,” which translates to “body of the ballet.”
Dancing in corps roles requires synchronicity, moving as one like a body. The snow corps and flower corps have their own special rehearsals where polishing that quality of synchronicity is emphasized.
“With corps roles, you have to look like everyone else,” Connor said. “If not, the ballet isn’t as magical or impressive.”
It’s no surprise that, through the process, corps dancers grow close and become a sisterhood full of camaraderie.
“When you’re huffing for air and your legs feel like Jell-O underneath you, a friend’s smile from across the stage can give you the extra oomph you need to get through the show,” Gangolli said.
As professionals at Alabama Ballet, the three danced in George Balanchine’s famous version of the ballet. Originally premiered by New York City Ballet in 1954, it’s credited with helping “The Nutcracker” become the holiday phenomenon that it is today. Alabama Ballet is one of eight companies in the world licensed to perform this work by The Balanchine Trust.
Though the snow corps and flower corps evoke images of delicacy and grace, they are roles that also require speed, power and stamina.
“Unlike some versions of ‘The Nutcracker,’ the corps roles for the women in Balanchine’s version are some of the hardest in the ballet,” Gangolli said.
McCoy said they are full of “dynamic footwork and grand allegro [big jumps].”
Connor finds Balanchine’s choreography more enjoyable than other versions and said she thinks it allows dancers to look their best onstage.
Performances of “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” begin the second week of December at Samford University’s Wright Center. Backstage in the dressing rooms, Connor, Gangolli, McCoy and the other women of the snow corps and flower corps listen to Christmas music as they get ready for the shows. Headpieces, stage makeup and tutus help transform them into sparkling snowflakes and fantasy flowers.
On the stage, the scenery, lighting and special effects create a magical world full of the thrill and unpredictability of live theater. Catching a snowflake on your tongue? It’s not uncommon for dancers in the snow corps to swallow paper snow while dancing or inhale it or have it get stuck in their false eyelashes. The wintry precipitation in the “Waltz of the Snowflakes” is depicted not just through dancing but also through theatrical effects. Despite any distraction or discomfort such incidents might cause, they always make for funny stories to share offstage afterward.
Though viewers may not realize it, dancers in the corps use lighthearted rituals to energize each other during performances. One example happens at the beginning of the “Waltz of the Flowers,” when the flower corps gathers around the soloist character known as the Dew Drop Fairy, hiding her from view. Right before they reveal her to the audience, they whisper something silly to her that they’ve decided upon beforehand.
“It’s a way to get a quick laugh, become calm and remember to have fun,” Connor said. “Plus, it’s fun to surprise her with something new each time.”
Throughout it all, Connor, Gangolli and McCoy’s love of ballet and of “The Nutcracker” in particular fuels and sustains them throughout the many performances of this holiday classic they dance in each season. That and, of course, the mutual support they give and receive.
“We are all very encouraging to other each,” McCoy said. “It's like a family.”
Alabama Ballet’s production of “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” runs Dec. 9-11 and Dec. 16-18. For more information, go to alabamaballet.org/george-balanchines-the-nutcracker.
