Passion For The Nutcracker

Nathaniel introduced himself to Emy and said, “I’d like to work with you during your audition sessions.” His sandy hair, chiseled features and charming smile made Emy’s stomach flip.

Snowflakes swirled outside the Montreal theatre, casting a magical glow over the bustling city streets. Inside, Christmas décor and spirit mingled with the sound of nervous chatter and music as the ballet company prepared for their annual production of the Nutcracker.

Anxious, young talented ballerinas stretched and got ready for auditions for different roles in the production. Among the sea of dancers, one young woman stood out, Emy Pereira. She was deaf and her hands moved as gracefully while she talked in sign language as others danced. She could move her whole body as gracefully, in fact.

“She is a beautiful dancer. She has been my best student ever since she came to me as a child,” Katherine Alber told her old friend and the director of the ballet, Laurent Dufort. “She would be perfect for Clara.”

Mr Dufort looked doubtful as Emy stepped into the spotlight. With her eyes closed, Emy drew in a deep breath and centred herself in her deaf silence. In her mind, she pictured Clara—sweet, adventurous, and full of hope. She moved flawlessly through the choreography that Katherine had helped her craft, marking the movements with elegance that seemed to weave tales of dreams and magic. Emy danced, not to music, but to the rhythm of her heart and soul. When she finished, sweat trickled down her brow, and she caught Katherine’s encouraging smile from the corner of her eye. Fear and nervousness began to creep in her as she looked at Dufort.

He was still doubtful about how she would take directions being deaf. Luckily in the corner stood lead male dancer, the Nutcracker himself, Nathaniel Dumouchel.

“I think she’s superb. I think she should play Clara,” Nathaniel told Dufort. Dufort shook his head. “Think about it,” Nathaniel continued, “a deaf Clara… the audience and press would love it.” He smiled and Dufort reluctantly waved Emy into the auditions. She was excited. “Don’t worry I will work with her.”

“You were superb on stage. I could hear the music, but you made me feel it!” Nathaniel introduced himself to Emy and said, “I’d like to work with you during your audition sessions.”

His sandy hair, chiseled features and charming smile made Emy’s stomach flip. Katherine, knowing his dancing skills and success, eagerly nodded at Emy.

So she signed, “Yes.”

The next few days unfolded like pages of a storybook full of magic and wonder. Nathaniel and Emy stepped into the roles of Nutcracker and Clara with ease. Their bodies and souls merged together flawlessly through the adapted choreography using visual cues. With every session their bond strengthened. They could anticipate each other’s movements and emotions as they danced with no communication or interpretation needed, even though Nathaniel learned sign language so he could speak to the beautiful woman he danced with.

One afternoon, they worked hard on a routine. Emy leaped into the air and Nathaniel caught her in his strong arms. His heart raced as he awkwardly signed, “You know, I’ve never met a dancer as beautiful and dedicated as you. Your determination is inspiring.”

Emy blushed, feeling warmth spread across her cheeks. She fet their need to kiss, but she backed away signing, “Thank you for believing in me when others didn’t.”

Final audition day arrived. Emy stood backstage, nerves swirling alongside excitement. Nathaniel offered her a reassuring smile. “Just dance like we’ve practiced. Remember, you’re Clara. Own that stage.”

Emy breathed deeply and stepped into the spotlight. Music vibrated through her, as she got lost in the dance, every movement reflecting her soul. She kept dancing until she realized that the music stopped. She slowly stopped pirouetting and stood still, breathless, waiting for Dufort’s reaction.

“Forgive me for my ignorance and doubting you a as a dancer,” Dufort said ashamed. “You are the best dancer that I ever saw, deaf or hearing. It would be my honour to offer you the role of Clara.”

Emy excitedly accepted and ran to overjoyed Katherine and Nathaniel. “I knew you were my Clara!”

Nathaniel kissed Emy without thinking. Emy smiled at him with love in her eyes.

Opening night, Emy and Nathaniel gave spectacular performances as Clara and the Nutcracker. The audience applauded and cheered. The Press praised the brilliant, deaf ballerina. Dufort was quite proud of himself. And as the curtain lowered on the stage, Emy and Nathaniel held each other and kissed, full of passion for each other, the nutcracker and everlasting music and dancing all around them.