Today I am spotlighting Hiyas de Guzman’s’s illustration entitled “The Nutcracker.” This sole image encapsulates a ninety minute ballet perfectly with color and a touch of whimsy. I love the vivid quality of the details, such as the folds in Clara’s clothes; it makes the scene appear as though it is an animated movie that could come to life at any moment. As a former dancer, I commend Guzman on her representation of ballerina form; it is realistic and believable. This illustration takes me back to my days in the nutcracker. My dream was to dance the role of Clara so naturally I had to buy a red nutcracker of my own. I would practice in my room, swaying my nutcracker to and fro. My dream of playing Clara never came true, but the memories are enough to satisfy me. I had fun auditioning and rehearsing with friends old and new, wearing gorgeous costumes, and working alongside Russian dancers. How appropriate that my favorite memory from my time as a dancer coincides with my favorite time of year and favorite holiday. I have no complaints!!
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Stay merry readers! Only 3 days until Christmas…
– Lauren Michele 🙂
“Spinning Spanish dancers clicked their castanets … Arabian princesses swirled … Chinese tea dancers whirled … flower ballerinas twirled. Clara watched enchanted.”
– Excerpt from “The Nutcracker” by Susanna Davidson
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