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Nutcracker season is here - and it’s a doozy!

For many dancers, The Nutcracker is a favorite holiday tradition. I still remember my first performance - the anticipation as I waited to pop out from under Mother Ginger’s skirt was one of my very first on-stage memories. As the years went on, I had the opportunity to dance Spanish, Chinese, Doll, Clara - and of course, Snow and Flowers. The magic of stepping onto that stage never diminished no matter how many times I did it - as a student, that is.

As a professional, I felt very differently about Nutcracker season. Instead of symbolizing a beloved holiday tradition, it became a tedious run of performances and the reason I couldn’t see my family for Christmas anymore. I started to resent something I had once loved - so I had to take it upon myself to make it special again.

Whatever your feelings about Nutcracker, the sheer number of performances coupled with school and holiday stress can take a toll. Here are my best tips for not just surviving, but thriving this season!

1. Audition Prep EARLY

   If you will be attending professional auditions this year, this one’s for you!

   I work with all my clients to get their audition prep done before Nutcracker and the holidays. That means their resume is updated, video is filmed and edited, pictures are taken, cover letters are written - everything is ready to send out as soon as submissions open in January. This way you can fully focus on your performances and time with loved ones without the looming stress of getting your audition materials ready.

   If you haven’t started, it’s not too late. Anything you can get done early will make a difference. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, grab your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide - I break down exactly WHAT to do and WHEN to do it as you tackle your submissions. The mental load of audition season is very real - I can’t go to the audition for you but I can alleviate the overwhelm by helping you break it down into small, manageable tasks.

2. Be proactive about your health

   It’s no secret that Nutcracker season coincides with cold and flu season. If you are sick - please stay home! You’re in close quarters and one bug can take down an entire company of dancers - I’ve seen it happen! While some sickness is unavoidable, we can take steps to help our bodies stay healthy during this time:

   1. Get sleep! I cannot overstate the importance of this one (especially during a busy performance run). As an athlete, you need 8-10 hours of sleep every. single. night. Sleep is essential for muscle recovery, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. Adequate sleep also reduces the risk of injury and supports a strong immune system. If you want to be able to dance at your highest level sleep needs to be prioritized!

   2. Seek help for injuries. No, I don’t just mean the big ones like a sprained ankle. I mean the little things that are bothering you but you still feel like you can dance through. Little things turn into big things, especially in a busy season - be proactive about working with a physical therapist or strength trainer to address any areas of concern early. If you don’t have someone in mind, Doctors for Dancers is an incredible resource for finding a specialist who understands your unique needs.

   3. Make sure you’re eating enough! Busy schedules can mess with your fueling plan. This article from Rachel Fine of To The Pointe Nutrition offers great tips to help dancers formulate a meal plan to stay nourished this season.

   4. Be aware of burnout. If you’re feeling tired and drained most of the time, you could be facing burnout. While I know how busy this season is, find pockets of time for activities you enjoy outside of dance and self-care so that you can come back to your performances feeling rejuvenated and ready to fully commit.

3. Survive long days in the theatre

   Getting into the theatre is exciting, but those days are long and tech can feel very tedious. Here are my best tips for staying sane:

   1. Establish your routine. Are you someone who likes to get to the theatre super early and have some peace and quiet to do your hair and makeup there? Would you prefer to get ready at home and arrive at your call time? Figure out what makes you feel most present and calm so you can set yourself up for success.

   2. Get outside. Long hours in a dark theatre can start to get to you. If you’re in a warm climate, take your meal breaks outside or go for a quick walk. If you’re in the north like me, stepping outside for even five minutes of fresh air can help reinvigorate you.

   3. Squeeze in naps. Throw in a travel blanket and pillow so you can cozy up in the dressing room during breaks. Just make sure to set an alarm or have a trusted friend wake you when you’re needed back on stage!

   4. Stay warm! It’s notoriously cold inside the theatre - bring extra layers to keep your muscles warm during downtime to help avoid injury. Pack socks or booties to keep your feet warm and your shoes clean!

   5. Bring extra pointe shoes. I guarantee you will need more shoes than you think. Have a couple of backup pairs on hand so you aren’t stuck dancing on dead shoes!

4. Start a tradition

   Some of my favorite Nutcracker memories are the fun traditions we made as dancers. Here are some of my favorite ideas from my dancing days plus some you shared with me:

   1. Organize a Secret Santa with the company. As a student, we did four shows so we would give one little present (something small like candy or fun socks) for each of the performances. Then we would do something a little bigger and exchange presents at our final dinner break. It was a fun pick-me-up to get through the performances!

   2. If you have a long run of shows and a dedicated dressing room, it can be fun to decorate your space! String Christmas lights around your mirror or put up a tabletop Christmas tree to add some festive cheer to your space.

   3. When I asked on IG, many dancers shared their favorite traditions around food and drink at the theatre, like a candy salad in the green room (we always had Swedish fish) or their favorite Starbucks drink before a show. My mom always brought me smart water to the theatre as a teenager and even as a professional I bought smart water for every show.

   4. Buy a Nutcracker at the gift shop and have all the dancers sign it! I love this idea a dancer shared with me - you can also do it with your program book or a poster for a fun memento! (One mom shared with me that she buys her daughter a Nutcracker to match her role each year, which I thought was such a fun idea!)

Remember that while you may have done the Nutcracker hundreds of times, there is a little girl or a little boy out in the audience watching the Nutcracker who has never seen it before. Think of the magic they feel when they see the nutcracker come to life, when they see the tree grow, when they see snow fall from the ceiling. As performers, it is our job to bring that magic to them.

If you’re feeling a bit grinchy, put yourself in their shoes and think about that person out there who is seeing a ballet for the very first time. How do you want them to feel watching the show? Bring that back to the forefront to help you find the joy in the season.

Nutcracker season may be demanding, but it’s also an opportunity to create memories, grow as a performer, and embrace the magic of the holiday season. By preparing early, prioritizing your health, and finding moments of joy amidst the chaos, you can navigate this busy time with grace and resilience.

Whether it’s through personal traditions, small acts of self-care, or leaning on your community of fellow dancers, you have the tools to make this season special. So step onto the stage, shine under the lights, and remember to savor the moments that make Nutcracker season truly magical!

If you liked this post, you might also like:

• The Backstage Etiquette Rules All Dancers Need To Know

• Realistic Time Management Strategies for Dancers

• Nutcracker Gift Guide for Dancers