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.