I know it has its problems, but I confess, I have loved the Nutcracker since I was a toddler. And I have loved Mark Morris’ The Hard Nut since it first aired on PBS in 1991.
Sometimes, I wonder if my own experience as a Polichinelle at such a young age taught me something important about gender fluidity. Too young to understand the cultural biases, it just seemed normal and appropriate that Mother Ginger was a kind, middle-aged bald man who took great care of her little flock. It didn’t seem funny or strange that he wore a giant skirt, make-up or a wig.
How did dance shape your normal?
Photo from: A Very Young Dancer by Jill Krementz published in 1979.