
"The Nutcracker" inspired 23 yr old Emily Short of Chula Vista, Ca to start ballet as a child; now, she's just finished dancing her dream role as Clara for the third season with San Diego Theatre of Performing Arts. She can't imagine being fit without dance.
FROM SUGAR PLUM FAIRY TO CLARA: "The reason I wanted to be involved in ballet was because I wanted to be in "The Nutcracker." So I started 11 years ago, and I've played every role from an angel to Clara. Every year, I told my parents I was going to be Clara one year. And then one year it happened. I was ecstatic. At the very last show we did this year, I tried to keep myself under control for the bow, but Clara always comes out last and everyone gave me a standing ovation and I just lost it." - Emily Short