My National Ballet debut (cue comic relief)

Next week, on December 27^th, I’m going to have the chance to play a small role in a very special performance.  It’s not a speaking part (phewf) and it requires no dance skills (darn, I was hoping to show off my new robot moves) but I anticipate it being a great deal of fun.

When I was first contacted by The National Ballet of Canada a while back to see if I might be interested in playing a cannon doll in a performance of James Kudelka’s version of the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker, I immediately thought “wow, cool!”  All kinds of interesting folks, like Ron McLean, Stephen Page, Margaret Atwood, Mats Sundin, and Rick Mercer have played the role of cannon doll in this production in previous years.  I’m still a little unsure how my name got thrown into the mix but my main challenge will clearly be: will I be able to match those celebrity dance skills?  Hmmm…

After accepting, they informed me I could choose another person who would join me on stage as the other cannon doll. 

Right away, several friends came to mind, many who even without theatrical experience would probably be true “characters” on stage with me.  But when I told Daddy Crumb about the opportunity, he didn’t hesitate one moment to suggest to me who I should choose as my partner in crime: his mother. 

After giving it further thought (and no puppy dog eyes from Daddy Crumb whatsoever…ahem) it actually seemed like exactly the right choice.  See, my mother-in-law, now in her early seventies, has had a lifelong love of dance.  Her passion for it has long been part of their family’s history.  I believe she hoped to be a ballerina in the early years but ended up pursuing a different kind of dance, one that involved more than simply beautiful choreography.

The Margaret Morris Method (known as MMM) was developed by modern dance pioneer and physiotherapist, Margaret Morris, in the UK back in the early part of the 20^th century.  It’s based on creative exercises and people of all ages, from children right up to the elderly, can learn.  It’s particularly helpful and enjoyable for those with special needs, like Parkinson’s patients and seniors.  My mother-in-law has been an instructor of it since its early days in Canada. You can read more about it at their international website: http://www.margaretmorrismovement.com/

In any event, given her love for dance and the opportunity that presented itself to me, it seemed perfect to have her accompany me.  I’m hoping she enjoys the moment on stage with a national dance ensemble in a gorgeous production, even if it is just the comic relief at the end of the battle scene! 

So watch next week for an update and hopefully some backstage video of my adventure in The Nutcracker.  Let’s hope I don’t get whacked by the vibrating Christmas tree on the way to the stage like poor Mats Sundin...