Off to the Ballet!

The Nutcracker is one of the most well-known ballets across the globe. Tchaikovsky composed The Nutcracker for the Imperial Mariinsky Theater in 1892 and the ballet made its debut in St. Petersburg, Russia that Christmas season. By 1944, The Nutcracker made its way to the United States with the San Francisco Ballet’s first performance on Christmas Eve. Since then, there have been hundreds of productions across America performed each year: from big ballet companies selling out large elaborate theaters, to small local ballet schools performing at community centers. Most have seen the production at some point and can likely say they know someone who has performed in one. This past holiday season, longtime KFM clients, Art and Terry Kostka, made their way to Houston to support their granddaughter, Ava, performing in The Nutcracker.

Ava began dancing at the age of three and is about to turn thirteen. She has been attending Uptown Dance in Houston for her ballet training. Kate, on our KFM team, was a professional ballet dancer herself, and has been teaching in Orange County for almost 20 years. She can tell how talented and passionate of a dancer Ava is at such a young age!

Art and Terry planned a nine-day visit to Houston in early December to spend time with family and support Ava in her performances. Terry even helped backstage! She was the official ribbon fastener and tied bows for all the children in the party scene. In addition to the party scene, Ava also danced in the Spanish number at the beginning of Act II.

We even got to hear from Ava about her grandparents coming to watch her perform!

“My favorite parts of the visit were when my grandma was backstage with us. Helping with hair, makeup, and costumes. When she was backstage, she made us laugh and it was great quality time.  Another part I loved was watching her watch me and the expressions on her face during the performance. I can tell my grandma and grandpa really love me and love watching me do what I love!”

Thank you Art and Terry (and Ava) for sharing such a special part of your holiday season while also helping us recognize what matters most!