Anne Marie Getz 2008 with Dr. Richard Helldobler

"I have had the privilege of performing The Nutcracker with live music every year and the excitement of hearing the first few notes of the overture which never changes! I think it's because my first role began with me running on demi-pointe across the stage between the front curtain and the orchestra pit during the repeat in the overture. My teacher told me, 'Listen to the music carefully because it will tell you when to go and what to do.' My mom was always nervous for me, but the minute my feet touched the stage floor, everything was okay and I was transported to another place," recounts Anne Marie Getz, Associate Artistic Director of Ballet Theatre of Toledo, about performing in The Nutcracker for the past 45 years. "I still feel that same 'elevation' today -- that special feeling of stepping onto the stage. It's been a magical journey from mouse to snowflake, slowly growing into new and challenging roles. I wasn't ever Clara, but I am so pleased I never gave up or I would have missed out on so many wonderful years of dancing, including the roles of Snow Queen and Queen of the Flowers. Now, I dance the role of Clara's mother and I no longer have the stress of having 'just the right pair of pointe shoes', but the desire and drive to dance my very best never goes away!"

Nigel Burgoine and Anne Marie Getz 2003

Anne Marie with her husband Nigel Burgoine, Ballet Theater of Toledo Artistic Director, celebrate BTT's 10th anniversary season with The Nutcracker performances on Thanksgiving weekend. After auditions held on a Saturday in September then seeing the casting posted the following Monday with a 3-month rehearsal schedule, nearly 100 BTT students ages 7 and up perform with guest artists  from companies such as Lexington Ballet, Grand Rapids Ballet, Louisville Ballet and Cincinnati Ballet each year.  Anne Marie shares that now she finds watching students take on new roles every year most rewarding. "I remember rehearsing Mirlitons one year and three little girls were watching through the windows. Several years later the same three girls were old enough to be rehearsing the role and they already knew every step!"

As many The World Dances readers are preparing for your own The Nutcracker performances, Anne Marie offers these 3 important tips for dancers:

1. Remember the director/choreographer wants you to look your very best and every role is important. Make the most of any role, even if it's not the role you wanted. You might be surprised!

2. Attend all rehearsals and build strength through regular classes. You want to be a strong, confident dancer on stage.

3. Enter the theater and stage with respect for the art of classical ballet.

See Ballet Theatre of Toledo's The Nutcracker November 28-30 at Valentine Theatre in downtown Toledo, OH.

READ MORE! 3 important Nutcracker tips for teachers, a most romantic marriage proposal, precious photos and memories from Nutcracker's past including Nigel dancing with Rudolf Nureyev, BTT's performance for special needs children and assisted living seniors with Miss Gracie the Great Pyrenees dog and more...