Based off E.T.A. Hoffman’s tale, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (1816), Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s memorable score has made this holiday extravaganza famous world-wide for oth its dream sequence tale and infectious music. This year’s production has local ties with Bronxville Elementary School’s Caroline O’Hagan, featured in the critical role of Marie!

The Nutcracker originally premiered before Christmas in 1892 and had its New York City Ballet premiere in 1954. Over years it has become an annual right of passage for aspiring ballet dancers, accomplished professionals and the crowds that line-up to buy tickets.

The story of The Nutcracker is familiar to most – a family’s celebration is interrupted by a rude brother, who breaks a nutcracker in a jealous fit. His sister, Marie, falls into a deep sleep that evening, only to be awakened and taken on a fantastic journey, where the nutcracker transforms into a boy after fighting off giant rats. The magical tale features ballet dancers representing the fantasy world’s various lands.

New York City Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker is always one of if not the best of all of the different versions that exist today. The high quality production matches Tchaikovsky’s famous score.

In exclusive interview with Bronxville Elementary School’s Caroline O’Hagan, who is featured as the ballet’s young heroine, Marie—an inventor who brought life to her toys and the creator of the Four Realms.

What is your favorite part of playing Marie?

My favorite part about playing Marie is that I get to be part of the magic in the production. I have always love dancing, and I am just amazed by the fact that I get to share the stage with so many of my favorite dancers that I look up to! I also love being a part of Christmas in New York. So many people love to see The New York City Ballet’s Nutcracker at Christmastime because it is so magical, and really helps to capture the spirit of the holiday season. It is also really fun to have the little kids look up to and ask you questions like what is it like, or how do you feel about this, because I was one of those little kids not too long ago!

What is your favorite scene and/or song and why?

My favorite scene is the Living Room Scene, as we call it, when the mice and I have our short little moment, and especially when the tree grows. I really love when the tree grows, because it really is so magical. It really takes my breath away every time. The Nutcracker cast is made up of a lot of young ballet dancers, like yourself. What was it like working with so many like-minded peers? It’s really fun to work with the younger girls, because they are so little and giggly all the time. It also really makes me happy. My friend who plays the prince and I often give them high fives just to keep them going. Before act 2, we also like to put on a special show for the angels, who are 8 or 9 years old. The prince does his pantomime while I translate. It really is so fun. I’ve also made some really great friends through the Nutcracker – we all love to work hard, and it’s so nice to be with other people who really love ballet.

Do you feel like this experience has given you a greater appreciation of the true meaning of Christmas?

I really think that this has given me a greater appreciation. The party scene can help young people realize that Christmas isn’t all about presents, its really about having fun and spending time with family. And I love that this ballet brings joy to so many people.

Do you have any advice for other students your age interested in getting involved in theater or ballet?

I think that they should just keep pushing and do what you want to do or what you think you are meant to do, from theater to ballet to anything, really. Just believe in yourself and no hard thoughts or feelings. If you have a special audition for something, just think “I can do this!” and let all of the bad thoughts or worries flow out of you. ‘Cause you GOT THIS!

Photo credit: Erin Baiano