Houston Ballet

Isabella has said for the last 2 years that "Dance is in my heart" and that she wanted to be Clara in the Nutcracker.

 So today we went down to family day at the Wortham hosted by the Houston Ballet. It was incredible. We were able to go into dressing rooms, backstage, see props and costumes and the best part to actually meet and talk to the company dancers. 

This has just reconfirmed to Isabella that she wants to be a Ballerina. But now she wants to be Odette in Swan Lake when it is not Christmas and Clara when it is Christmas. That could work.... 

The interesting part was that she was fascinated by each dancers toe shoes. She wanted to touch every pair and then asked to see them on toe. I wish I had of taken pictures of all the shoes. They were incredible. Some shiny and clean, some very worn. 

Isabella and Odette from Swan Lake. The actual dancers name is Ari. She was so kind to both girls and told Isabella that she also started dance because she felt it in her heart when she was 3 years old. 

This was the huge dragon from Swan Lake. Its eyes open and close, blows smoke out of his nose and his sides move like he is breathing.  

Also, If you look at the far back wall you can see the 50 plus curtain and scene ropes that weigh any where from 300-3000 lbs. Victoria really enjoyed pulling on the ropes and watching what she moved. 

Finally we got to meet Clara (before she becomes the Sugar Plum Princess).

And of course what is the Nutcracker without the Rats. They also wear toe shoes and yes Isabella asked the Rat to go on toe. And the Rat did.