Ballet is most commonly seen as a perfected art; a masterpiece on the stage. But what goes on behind the scenes? How do ballet dancers balance such a strenuous schedule? Junior Ashley Bobo gives her perspective on Ballet Chelsea’s upcoming show: The Nutcracker.
“I am at the studio six days a week,” Bobo said. “Recently, rehearsals have gotten much more time-consuming, especially since we are getting closer to the show. A typical day of Saturday Nutcracker rehearsals run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., which is a lot more time than most people expect.”
All dancers can agree when it comes to the struggles they face navigating the demanding life of academics and dance. Nutcracker season is more than just a series of performances for senior Ryan Conely; it’s a journey through a maze of rehearsals, late nights, and physical exhaustion.
“I typically try to stay ahead in my classes during Nutcracker season,” Conely said. “I know that as soon as I get behind in December, my stress levels will go up. I have to knock out all of my homework as soon as possible so I can put most of my focus on the show.”
While schoolwork is the primary source of stress, intricate choreography, and swift costume changes add a whole extra layer of stress. Dancers invest countless hours perfecting every move, often sacrificing weekends and social events.
“There’s this unspoken pressure to be perfect,” Conely said. “The audience sees perfection, but behind the scenes, it’s a lot of stress and dedication. Because of our new artistic director, we have a completely new Nutcracker. I feel like since this year is the premiere of the new Nutcracker at Ballet Chelsea, the pressure for it to be perfect is almost doubled.”
Despite the challenges, the dancers find comfort in their shared love for ballet. Backstage friendship and support create a tight-knit community that helps them weather the storm of Nutcracker season.
“Dance, although stressful, is kind of an escape,” Bobo said. “I’ve made a family there, and the people are so positive and kind. It is challenging, but I feel at home at Ballet Chelsea, and the Nutcracker is a magical representation of our studio.
