Nutcracker Pointe Shoes

It's Fall and that can only mean one thing to a ballerina, it's the start of the new Nutcracker season! For several years it's been our family's tradition to not only see the ballet each Christmas but actually be a part of this unique holiday experience.

My husband and I are retired professional dancers but we dust off our dancing shoes once a year to join our daughter in the Party Scene in her company's annual Nutcracker performance. Sharing our love of dance with her and getting to perform together as a family on the same stage is truly special. It's with great joy that we look forward to this experience every year.

Another part of this annual tradition is decorating pointe shoes. Nutcracker themed pointe shoes are donated to the company for a silent auction which takes place during intermission. We try to  coordinate the shoe design with her current role and since casting varies from year to year so do our designs.

Usually, we'll recycle slightly used pointe shoes and paint them inside and out before decorating. This year we took advantage of a backup pair that she outgrew before she had the chance to wear. The lovely untouched satin color and sheen made the perfect background for the Waltz of the Flowers. Ta-da! I present this year's theme!

From start to finish my daughter and I argue, I mean, enjoy collaborating on overall design and work flow. Whether it's the task of painting, gluing, or assembling we make sure that we're both patient and supportive throughout the process. When it's all said and done we always say I'm sorry and I love you!

Thank you Grishko for the lovely pointe shoes which provided the perfect blank slate for this year's creation.



Hope everyone has a Happy Nutcracker Season!