This weekend, we kicked off the opening performances of our 20th Anniversary of Dianna Cuatto's Nutcracker! As we celebrate this year's dancers in this beloved production, we look back with love to all the dancers who helped shape it for the stage. I caught up with former company dancer Anmarie Touloumis, who frequently teaches the company and is a familiar face at our gym Evolutions. After originating the Dew Drop Fairy and Spanish divertissement in Dianna's original production, she has many fond memories from The Nutcracker.
First Meeting Dianna
Anmarie first crossed paths with her future artistic director, Dianna Cuatto, at Oklahoma Festival Ballet:
"I am grateful to have met Dianna when I was 16. I was in the beginning of my professional career and she was coming out of retirement. She has been a wonderful mentor and friend for me on- and offstage. When she became the director of BTM I was extremely comforted by her arrival, especially after the devastating loss of Eddie Stewart, the founding director of BTM. I knew she would honor Eddie's vision of the company and help us grow."
Above, Anmarie is pictured in a stage rehearsal for the Opening of Act II in Eddie's Nutcracker.
Staging the New Nutcracker
Over time, it is common for companies to stage new productions of The Nutcracker. Costumes and set pieces become worn, the company's budget grows, and audience members' tastes change. Such was the case for Dianna Cuatto during her second season as Artistic Director. Anmarie remembers:
"The summer before performing Dianna's version of The Nutcracker, I had the gift and pleasure to work with her onstage setting Dew Drop in Waltz of the Flowers. It was a very special experience, as I felt that she challenged me but also gave me choreography that I looked good dancing.
"It is a dream for dancers to have movement set on them, for them. I loved it, and I am still grateful for the opportunity to this day. It's hard for me not to dance in my seat when I see or hear the music to this day. I love helping coach the dancers who get to dance this role."
Anmarie's influence is felt in this role to this day! One of my favorite memories from when Anne Gutcher, Sarah Jung, and I were learning Dew Drop for the first time was Anmarie joking that we would curse her name because of specific steps in the choreography. Quite the reverse, the stamp she left on Dianna's choreography makes the part feel distinctive and meaningful.
"Dianna's attention to detail and her vision of her Nutcracker was demanding at times but also very rewarding and musical. From the still moments and "tableau" of the Party scene to the snow flurries of the Snow corps, her vision would come to life on stage."
In the image above, Anmarie plays Clara's mother (in purple), dancing with Drosselmeier.
Receiving Dianna's Mentorship
Anmarie expresses thankfulness for Dianna's guidance:
Along with dancing Dew Drop, I was also the Spanish dancer. It's a fiery and sassy role, and I loved dancing it. Dianna's coaching for roles like this was so helpful. If I faltered or was having a difficult time with a step or sequence of turns she would take me aside and give me a pep talk and a new perspective on how to approach the steps. She knew I was hard on myself and wanting perfection. Her compassion and wisdom were also so supportive to me.
"These moments of connection with Dianna on- and offstage were so meaningful and inspiring. I truly felt seen by her and the opportunities she gave me."
The Value of The Nutcracker
One of the things that makes The Nutcracker so meaningful for audiences and dancers alike is that it comes around again each year. Anmarie had these thoughts to share:
"Nutcracker is a rite of passage for many dancers whether they become professionals or not. Having the opportunity to dance Dianna's Nutcracker has enhanced my experience as a dancer and given me fond memories I will always cherish."
We here at BTM feel the same way! We hope that you'll join us for the closing weekend of The Nutcracker on December 21st and 22nd. Visit our Nutcracker page for tickets, dancer casting, and more.
Promotional photo by Joanne Marie Photography
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