Ah, Christmas Eve and lots of things to do. No matter how organised one is, there are just some things that cannot be done until the last. So today's photo didn't really get much thought. This is our chimney with Santa and the Nutcracker. Not very interesting, or creative, but a photo anyway. I think it looked even less interesting in colour, but have included one as a comparison. Which do you prefer?
The nutcracker below was made for an early dance concert of mine. I commenced a dance school in June 1986 and decided to stage The Nutcracker in 1987. I think the average age of my students was perhaps 6 years old and most had only been dancing that year. There were an awful lot of spring points and step and hops. It was a long time before I could listen to The Waltz of the Flowers. I often wonder what on earth I was thinking when I undertook that project. But it turned out fine and the young dancers rose to the challenge. The father of the young girl who danced the part of Clara, made the nutcracker as the prop for the performance - it was almost as big as Clara. Many time when I look at it I can't help but think of those early years of my dance school and the many young students with whom I had the privilege to teach and work.
Anyway it is Christmas Eve and I do hope you and your loved ones are having the most wonderful of evenings.
Merry Christmas all. And to all a good night ...