For more than forty-six years The University of North Carolina School of the Arts' acclaimed Nutcracker production has been one of the Triad's most eagerly anticipated events of the holiday season. Last year, guest artists Veronika Part (Principal, American Ballet Theatre) and Charles Askegard (Principal, New York City Ballet) danced the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier Prince at the performances in the Stevens Center. The UNCSA Nutcracker Orchestra accompanied the performances under the baton of Charles Barker, Principal Conductor of American Ballet Theatre. It was the first production of The Nutcracker under the leadership of UNCSA's new Dean of the School of Dance Susan Jaffe. Susan was the principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre for 20 years. She spoke with David Ford about her career.
