Becoming the Snow Queen

As part of the 40th Anniversary Heritage Photos series, Kathleen shared the story of how her daughter Ashira came to BBT and the journey she took in becoming the Snow Queen in The Nutcracker.

In December 2010, I took Ashira to watch her first Nutcracker at Berkeley Ballet Theater in the Julia Morgan Theater. We were so excited to see the dancers. A particularly magical moment was the Snow Queen, we were mesmerized by her dance. After that show, Ashira knew she wanted to go to BBT.

Ten years later, in December 2019, I sat in the audience at “The Nutcracker” enchanted with joy to watch Ashira during her final year at BBT–as the Snow Queen! Once again, the magical moment was alive, I was mesmerized by her dance. We will always remember.

For nine years I worked the dressing room backstage for “The Nutcracker” (and the “Spring Show”). I was privileged and delighted to share with the dancer’s much excitement, jitters, laughter, tears, hopes, fatigue, commitment, triumph, and lots and lots of snacks!