It may be June (and feeling like 100 degrees) but we’re dreaming of sugar plums. Charlotte Ballet is spending summer preparing costumes and props for its annual return of “Nutcracker.”
Despite the long-standing show not opening until December, Kerri Martinsen is already busy getting costumes “show-ready.”
“We have a show book, where we have a page for every costume that goes on stage,” said Martinsen, the costume shop manager for Charlotte Ballet. “Sometimes we get to a point where we need to replace the bodice. To get the same fabric, our designer will go through the book, find the fabric, and purchase the same thing.”
“Nutcracker” costumes were made in 2016. From the cavalier to the soldiers and candy canes, each costume is worn more than 25 times in a span of three weeks. Editor’s note: That’s more wearings than most people’s favorite item of clothing.
Sometimes the costumes don’t match the sketch and original design due to fabric availability and/or changes in technology. “A good example of that is the Spanish Hot Chocolate,” said Martinsen. “It was a process between the designer and the choreographer to redesign what went on stage.” Pro tip: In ballet, the choreography takes priority so costumes must be redesigned to fit the performers’ mobility.
Each dancer’s outfit in the shop has two iterations, a short and tall, with dancers sharing the outfits on any given day. “That’s where we see the biggest difference in dance is in height,” said Martinsen. “So I try to make two sets, if at all possible, for shared roles.”
With the exception of the Spanish dress — there’s just one. “It’s like the sisterhood of the traveling dress,” Martinsen laughed.
Spot repairs are necessary during the show. “At the theater, we have a wardrobe supervisor and house dressers to help with changes and notice if anything is broken,” said Martinsen. Think: NASCAR pit crew but for the Charlotte Ballet.
Did you know dancers will go through more than 100 pairs of pointe shoes during “Nutcracker?” The show’s choreography requires dancers to spin, hop, and more on the tips of their toes.
“The shoes are an extension of their bodies and it’s an incredibly important piece of equipment they use to do their jobs,” said Martinsen.
Ready for the show? Tickets are on sale now. The show runs Friday, Dec. 6- Sunday, Dec. 22.
