For some, it is a timeless tradition, for others it is a new experience. Regardless, the spirit of the holidays comes alive in this delightful performance by the Mejia Ballet and the San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet.
Raat Hindi Horror Movie there. It is a beautifully produced classic story for children and adults of all ages. The breathtaking and lively two-act ballet revolves around a young girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and an enchanting battle against a Mouse King. This year, the Mejia Ballet will feature a new Prima Ballerina, the stunning, Natalia Magnicaballi. She is a native of Buenos Aires, Argentina. “I come from a very poor, working class family with absolutely no background in the arts.
My dad was a factory worker and worked very, very hard seven days a week to put food on our table. Since an early age, I always had an interest in dance,” says Magnicaballi. She began taking ballet classes at the age of six with Russian instructors Wasil Turpin and his wife Mercedes Serrano. “They saw my talent and gave me a scholarship to study with them. When I was nine years old, I auditioned and got accepted into the most important ballet program in South America, The Colon Theatre Institute. The tuition is free for a few privileged students admitted every year, I auditioned with over 200, and I was fortunate to become one of seventeen that was accepted into the program. After succeeding at very vigorous exams, at the end of the eighth year, only four of us, out of the original seventeen graduated.” Magnicaballi spoke about the many obstacles that she had to overcome in her career, but gives credit for all of her success to her parents and husband.
“To be a ballerina is not as easy as it sounds. It requires a lot of discipline physically and most important mentally,” she said. Natalia’s love for the stage and dance is deeply rooted in her. “The satisfaction I feel every time I dance in front of thousands of people- it’s magnificent! Hard to explain with words, actually.” Read more! Her career has allowed her to travel to many countries that she never imagined fathomable.
Do210 is What To Do in San Antonio. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is an evening-length production performed by a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers, DJ and.
She has performed in Egypt, Israel, Oman, Australia and China. Aside from performing, Natalia is also a ballet coach and teacher, which is something she says she loves to do as well. “To see my students succeed, dancing in professional companies around the country and on Broadway, is very rewarding to me. Amy goal has always been to give the best of me to others, always within the highest standards, both as a performing artist myself, as well as with all of the dancers I coach and as an instructor with all of my students.” When discussing her role in The Nutcracker, Natalia says she feels honored to be apart of the production. “I admire Paul Mejia’s work so much. It is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with the family.
It’s also wonderful to experience the music of Tchaikovsky, the sets, and the costumes. The Nutcracker is a ballet where besides the professional dancers; you will find a lot of kids on stage as part of the production making it a great opportunity to introduce the little ones in the family to the arts.” Natalia’s journey to become a Prima ballerina shows the trials and strength it takes for one to be successful.