From student to Nutcracker star: Rosanna's full circle

I first performed in The Nutcracker as a child in the Party Scene, shortly after joining Elmhurst Ballet School in 2008. Throughout the run-up to the performances, I remember struggling to contain my excitement as I watched Company members rehearse in awe. I clearly recall a day I eagerly observed the dancer performing Clara's every move at the back of the studio, as she swept us up in her Christmas story.

I then worked with the Company again for the ballet's run in 2014, my graduate year. This time I performed as a Maid, a Snowflake, and a Flower. During one of my final stage calls that year, the microphone suddenly echoed with the voice of the then Assistant Director, Marion Tait...

'Rosanna! The boss wants to see you after Act I!' 

The boss was Sir David Bintley, the Artistic Director at the time.

I was just about to step on stage as a Maid in the Party Scene and I then proceeded to drop all the champagne flutes on my tray onto the floor. Embarrassed, I swiftly cleared up and headed to Sir David's office, where I was offered my contract with Birmingham Royal Ballet. I officially joined the Company the following day and this year's run will mark the start of my 12th season here.

After watching the role of Clara in The Nutcracker time and time again as a young girl, it is unbelievably special to be now performing it as a member of the Company.

Since I debuted as Clara at a slightly older age than most dancers do, I had to spend some time thinking about how well I could still portray her as very young, innocent and incredibly excited for Christmas. Despite the challenge, I found that my understanding of the music, familiarity with the production and performance experience allowed, and continues to allow, me to approach this role with a wealth of knowledge I wouldn't have had earlier in my career. I do hope this carries across in my performance!

When I debuted the role in 2023, I was rehearsed by Michael O'Hare. This was a very special full-circle moment for me having recently found a photo of myself with him as Clara's Grandfather back in 2008.

For me, Clara is much more than just another role; performing this character has been a milestone in my career and one of the reasons I wanted to work with Birmingham Royal Ballet. Sir Peter Wright's production has been a constant in both my training and my career, and year after year it feels like coming home. I'm so grateful to be dancing Clara, and hope that, in some way, I might make a young dancer feel the way I did when I first saw this beautiful ballet.