Insight: Luca Mollica on The Nutcracker

You were one of the original children in The Nutcracker at the RAH, can you tell us what the audition process was like and how you felt when you learned that you had been cast?

The first audition was held at Urdang Academy, followed by the second round at The Royal Ballet Upper School. After the second round, everyone was asked to stay nearby for about an hour while decisions were made. Mum and I spent that time wondering around Covent Garden, waiting in anticipation. When I finally heard I had been cast, I was absolutely thrilled. I had my first rehearsal shortly afterwards with Patricia, BRB's Répétiteur/Benesh Choreologist. We rehearsed a few times in London, before travelling up to Birmingham to continue. I remember the atmosphere vividly – it was calm, friendly, and relaxed. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the rehearsal process.

How long had you been doing ballet before and why, and what prompted you to audition?

My mum’s side of the family is very fond of theatre and the performing arts, so dance has always been a part of my life. But it was when I became a Junior Associate of The Royal Ballet School that my passion for ballet, specifically, increased. I later auditioned for White Lodge, The Royal Ballet Lower School, but wasn't offered a place – an experience that really motivated me to work even harder. Mum was always encouraging me to try different things and discover what I loved, so I began auditioning for children's roles in productions like Christopher Wheeldon's The Winter’s Tale with The Royal Ballet and then for BRB's The Nutcracker. At that point I'd also taken part in a few pantomimes, such as Peter Pan, where I sang and acted as well as danced. After performing with BRB, my passion for ballet grew even more and that was when I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life going forward.

What was your first performance like? Were you nervous or excited – how did you find it? 

From what I can remember, I was quite nervous, yes... though not as nervous as I was performing in Black Sabbath – The Ballet recently! I was generally confident and relaxed as a child, so despite the nerves, I was excited and truly enjoyed the performance once I was on stage.

Do you have any particularly special or nostalgic memories from the run?

One performance stands out: two boys I was dancing with as Little Rats didn’t get into costume quickly enough and we missed our cue to go on stage. We ended up running on really late, which caused a bit of chaos. The other group who were watching in the audience were really confused, wondering where we had gone! Looking back on it now, it's a funny moment that will stay with me.

How has it been rehearsing for The Nutcracker now as a member of the Company? What will you be performing and how have you been finding the rehearsal process?

I’ve been very much thrown into it, in a good way. For example, I had my first rehearsal for Trepak, The Russian Dance, the other day. As 3rd cast, I expected to have more time to learn the choreography before running it, but most of the other Company members rehearsing had performed it multiple times, and knew it really well. The 1st and 2nd casts walked through and ran the dance fairly quickly, and then it was my turn to do so. Coming from ballet school, where you'd have months to prepare for one show, having as little as two or three weeks to prepare for many, many shows in a professional ballet company has been quite the shock. You have to think swiftly and be highly adaptable. It's something I’m still getting used to following Black Sabbath – The Ballet, but the challenge has been just as enjoyable as it is demanding. I feel supported and surrounded by a wonderful group of people, and the positive environment helps me stay calm and continue learning every day.

I'll be performing Cadets, Rats, Soldiers and Trepak. I’m also learning the Chinese Dance as a cover – I hope I'll get the chance to perform it!

Are you excited to return to the RAH?

I’m really looking forward to returning to the Royal Albert Hall. It feels like a full-circle moment and brings back many warm, cherished memories.