Interview with Olivia Spade, cast as Maria in CFB's Nutcracker

The Central Florida Ballet's Nutcracker production returns December 15 & 16, 2018 at the Linda Chapin Theater featuring newly - designed sets, pyrotechnics and aerial acrobatics.

Enjoy our chat below with CFB Student, Olivia Spade (age 14), who shares insight into the role she will be performing and discusses her holiday traditions. 

Pictured: Olivia Spade

Photo by Lisbet Photography

1. What role are you performing in CFB's The Nutcracker?
I will be playing the role of Maria (also known as "Clara" to many). It is an extra special year for me, because it is my 10th year in a row performing in the Nutcracker for CFB, and to play this role makes it even more special!

2. What is your favorite part about the role?
The battle scene, I am excited to throw the pointe shoe at the Rat King! It is a challenging role and I am really excited to dance for the audience!

 Pictured: Olivia Spade

Photo by Lisbet Photography

3. How does the role challenge you?
I have to dance onstage by myself for parts of the show. I am excited to be challenged by having the chance to do partnering with the Prince during the dream scene. This will be the first time I am partnering for a performance.

4. When was the first time you saw The Nutcracker and where?
Actually, I have never seen a live performance of the Nutcracker! I have been a performing in it ever since I was five years old! So, I enjoy watching the DVD of our Nutcracker.

  A young Olivia as a Treat Carrier in CFB's The Nutcracker

Photo by: Virginia Trudeau & Deedee Sherman

5. What holiday traditions do you have?
I love Christmas Eve because the whole family gets together at our house and we spend time together laughing and opening presents from one another and having a delicious meal.

6. What is your favorite holiday treat?
My favorite holiday treats are the cut out sugar cookies that we make from scratch and decorate! And of course some Hot Chocolate with marshmallows!

  Pictured: Olivia Spade

Photo by Lisbet Photography

7. What is your favorite part of CFB's Nutcracker production?
My favorite scene in the production is the dream scene. I love the music! I also love the fact that I get to spend time with my dance family preparing for the shows and getting in the Christmas spirit! Theater week is always my favorite!

8. What do you hope audience members takeaway from their Nutcracker experience?
I hope that the audience loves our performance and can’t wait to see it again next year!  And that it fills them with Holiday cheer!

Olivia performing the role of Bon-Bon in CFB's The Nutcracker

Photo by: Virginia Trudeau & Deedee Sherman 

For more information and tickets to the Central Florida Ballet's Nutcracker performances, please visit www.centralfloridaballet.com or call 407.849.9948.

Interview with the Nutcracker Snow Queen: Saaya Pikula Mason

The Central Florida Ballet's Nutcracker production returns December 15 & 16, 2018 at the Linda Chapin Theater featuring newly - designed sets, pyrotechnics and aerial acrobatics.

Enjoy our chat below with Saaya Pikula Mason who shares insight into the roles she will be performing and discusses her holiday traditions. 

Pictured: Saaya Pikula Mason

1. What roles are you performing in CFB's The Nutcracker?

This year I will be performing Snow Queen and Spanish pas de deux

2. What is your favorite part about the roles?
My favorite part about the snow scene has to be the wigs and the dumping of snow at the end of 1st act!

Saaya performing the role of Snow Queen in CFB's The Nutcracker

Photo: Pink Afterglow Photography

3. How do the roles challenge you?
This will be my first time performing Spanish in any nutcracker. It's a nice challenge to take on a different character!

4. When was the first time you saw The Nutcracker and where?
My first nutcracker I saw and performed in was with Southern Ballet Theatre. (Choreographed by CFB's Founder: Mr. Vasile Petrutiu)

 

Saaya (far right) posing backstage in 2001 as a Party Teen in CFB's The Nutcracker

5. What holiday traditions do you have?
For the past few years I have been spending Christmas out of the country. Bahamas, Costa Rica,  Mexico to get away from the cold! This year I will be spending Christmas with my husband and family in the Dominican Republic 🙂

  Saaya celebrating the holidays in the Bahamas

6. Are you an early or last minute holiday shopper?
I'm totally guilty of being a last minute shopper!!

7. What is your favorite holiday treat?
My mother in law always makes mince pies with powdered sugar on top! They are amazing!

8. What is your favorite part of CFB's Nutcracker production as compared to others?
CFB's Nutcracker will always be my favorite! It's what I grew up, I've done almost every role from the little lambs to sugar plum. But most of all dancing with some of the regular cast! Always nice to be around the CFB family 🙂

Saaya performing the role of Sugar Plum Fairy in CFB's The Nutcracker

Photo: Pink Afterglow Photography

9. What do you hope audience members takeaway from their Nutcracker experience?
I hope they get a bit of holiday joy and feel the love we all share for the stage!

For more information and tickets to the Central Florida Ballet's Nutcracker performances, please visit www.centralfloridaballet.com or call 407.849.9948.