Nutcracker Guest Artist Series: Davi Chagas talks about preparing for The Nutcracker

The Central Florida Ballet is pleased to announce Davi Chagas will be featured as a guest artist in CFB's The Nutcracker this December. Davi currently lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where he is a soloist for the Cia Jovem Balletarrj. 

We spoke with Davi about his upcoming feature, enjoy our chat below!

Davi Chagas as the Cavalier in Central Florida Ballet's The Nutcracker.

Photo by Marshall Ellis Photography

 1. What role(s) will you be performing in The Nutcracker?
I will be playing the role of the Prince in the first act and Shepherd (also known as Mirlitons) in the second act! I look forward to participating once again in this beautiful production of the Central Florida Ballet! It's going to be a lot of fun!

2. You've performed for several years in CFB's Nutcracker. Which roles did you perform and enjoy the most?
I have performed the Snow King role in the first act as well as Spanish Lead and also Cavalier in the second act. A funny memory I have is at the end of the Snow scene, the stage hands released A LOT of fake snow on the last performance day hahaha it was a lot of fun.

Davi Chagas performs the Snow King role in Central Florida Ballet's The Nutcracker.

 3. Describe your typical weekly dance training schedule in Brazil:
Well before any physical activity, I make sure to do enough stretching. Each weekday I have ballet class. After class, I have rehearsals and then more rehearsals! It is very tiring!

4. How is the life different in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil versus Orlando, Florida? 
In Brazil we have a lot of culture, we have beaches, historical theaters,  and we have Carnival Brazil. It's a very lively country. Orlando is really cool, the city has the parks and wonderful restaurants! The difference is that the USA is a developed country for those who live in America, the chances of work are greater! Also Americans treat Brazilians well, that's cool!

Davi Chagas in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

5. You've won medals and honors in numerous international ballet competitions, what are some of your top awards?
Prix ​​de Lausanne in Switzerland was an amazing experience! I won the silver medal at the New York Youth American Grand Prix and received the bronze medal at the World Ballet Competition in Orlando, Florida.

6. Which do you enjoy more -- competing or dancing in a performance?
I prefer performance. I can express myself more, I feel free!

Davi Chagas performs a contemporary solo at the World Ballet Competition. 

Photo by Virginia Trudeau

6. Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Every dancer has a ritual before dancing hahaha, I prefer to listen to music, I eat something too. Then I get dressed and do a quick rehearsal before the performance!

7. What is your favorite Nutcracker memory?
I really enjoyed my first time as a guest artist for Central Florida Ballet's The Nutcracker! I made many friends and had a lot of fun!

Want to see Davi perform in The Nutcracker? Tickets are on sale now at www.centralfloridaballet.com

Central Florida Ballet Announces 2017 Nutcracker Season

Central Florida Ballet Executive Director Vasile Petrutiu announced today that CFB will present their nationally-renowned Nutcracker performance this holiday season at the Orange County Convention Center’s Linda Chapin Theater on December 16 and 17, 2017.

Central Florida Ballet expertly merges a classic fairytale with stimulating pyrotechnics and aerial acrobatics offering attendees an unparalleled Nutcracker experience. The performance has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and USA Today. It was also named “one of five outstanding productions in the entire nation” by CNN Headline News.

Director Vasile Petrutiu is proud to continue providing residents and guests of Central Florida with this exceptional holiday performance for the 17th year. “I am enthusiastic about the audience viewing our newly-designed sets that were custom built in Russia," said Petrutiu. "They are beautifully crafted, measure 50 feet in height by 25 feet in width and were hand painted by expert artists in traditional classical ballet style."

There are three Nutcracker performances scheduled this year: December 16 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm and December 17 at 2:00pm. The two-hour event includes a fifteen minute intermission and tickets can be purchased at centralfloridaballet.com. Special offers are being extended to orange, seminole, osceola and lake county teachers and local civic organizations. Groups are encouraged to contact CFB office manager, Kailey Klopfenstein for more information.

Tickets are available for purchase at http://www.centralfloridaballet.com or by calling 407.849.9948 ext 10.