It’s that time of year – all the dance companies perform the Nutcracker. Whenever I hear the music, it brings back memories from my childhood. I had the opportunity to dance with several local companies in the Mid-Hudson area.

When I was a teenager, I performed with Poughkeepsie Ballet Theatre. We had the chance to perform in lots of different locations and would travel by school bus. It was quite a rigorous schedule for an amateur company. I remember one year that many of the performers became ill and that I had to learn extra parts right before the show.

What an experience for a young person! It might be fun to perform in a Nutcracker show again… I won’t get the chance this year, though.  Performaces are starting this week.