Insight: Céline Gittens on The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is one of the very first ballets I watched as a young girl, on a VHS tape. It was a recording of Seattle's Pacific Northwest Ballet, in a theatrically devised version for television.

At just five years old, I was completely mesmerised, and not just because of the beautiful dancing. It was like watching a movie that was full of excitement, action, and magical surprises, and I truly felt like a fairytale had come to life. The dancing, combined with the vibrant acting, glittering costumes and colourful scenery, was an incredibly enjoyable and immersive experience for me. I couldn't keep my eyes off the television, and from there my love for ballet only grew.

My first solo role at Birmingham Royal Ballet was The Arabian Dance in The Nutcracker. Since then, I have had the privilege of performing the roles of the Snow Fairy, Rose Fairy, and most significantly the Sugar Plum Fairy. I have loved performing each role, as each one brings its own different flavour and magic to the dancing and story. 

As the Snow Fairy, I particularly enjoy it when the whirlwind of snowflakes falls from above and covers the stage, creating a winter wonderland while I swirl, leap and lead the dancers in snowflake-like patterns. The Snow Fairy is regal and ethereal, illuminating the Land of Snow with her presence, and the whole scenery really adds to that otherworldly effect. 

When I perform the Rose Fairy, I always look forward to the interaction with Clara in the 'dancing lesson' – the scene where Clara repeats the steps demonstrated by the Rose Fairy. This scene is sweet, joyful and lighthearted, and allows me to have a fun and friendly moment with my colleague performing Clara. I feel like the audience really gets to experience the fun we, as dancers of BRB, get to have when we perform together, as we are naturally a very close and family-like company.

Above all, my favourite role to perform is the Sugar Plum Fairy. When I do, it feels like a full-circle moment; that little girl watching the TV and working hard in her ballet classes is now living her dream. An enchanting character, the Sugar Plum Fairy's dancing is soft, dream-like, and classical ballet at its purest and finest. I really feel like I am presenting the heart of classical ballet with each step. The costume for this character is also my favourite tutu design of all the classical ballets I have performed. The intricate detail includes different textures of materials, beads and sugarplums, which are all hand sewn and give a beautiful multidimensional look to the tutu.

Aside from the dancing, Tchaikovsky's ingenious music is incredibly passionate and Sir Peter Wright's choreography is wonderful. This ballet is a fully rounded celebration of art and a feast for the senses. I really do look forward each year to performing at Christmas time in The Nutcracker – a seasonal masterpiece.