The Howard Family: Dreaming of Sugar Plums

Two weeks ago Olivia had the honor of dancing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in her ballet company's (Studio for the Performing Arts in Newark) production of the Nutcracker. Her teachers really set their expectations high and Olivia totally delivered. Below are videos of the Grand Pas de Deux...a large majority of it is the traditional choreography (ie: if you youtube various versions of the Nutcracker Grand Pas de Deux you will recognize much of the choreography.)

If you're my (or Olivia's) friend on facebook chances are you've already seen these videos. There are of final dress rehearsal. The picture is a bit grainy because I had to reduce the size in order to post. If you haven't seen them yet, please enjoy! This is the first part which features the majority of the partnering work she did with her Cavalier, Curtis Mason. Curtis is a sophomore at Newark and Olivia and will also be performing with him in Fame in March!

I'm not posting Curtis' solo here so here is part two, Olivia's Sugar Plum solo! (you should also be able to watch these full screen if you click on the bottom right corner...I think!)

Aaaaaaand the Coda!

Yea Olivia! Her poor little pointe shoes broke after/during this performance but she smiled through it.
These beautiful pictures were taken by Jared Colletti, husband of one of Olivia's teachers during the performance. (Click to enlarge.)

Everyone's favorite picture!!

In addition to being the Sugar Plum Fairy, Olivia also danced in the corps de ballet (Snowflakes and Flowers). You may recognize the pink flower costumes, a variation of the costume she wore as the Dew Drop Fairy last year.