I ask if they know what the Nutcracker is.
If they know of the hurricane backstage
Excitement almost tangible in the air.
Costumes, makeup, hairpins littering every surface.
“5 minutes before the show starts!”
If they know of the shining lights,
Each of them a little sun
Spotlighting a dancer.
Lighting up her face as she leaps and spins.
Letting the audience see her sparkling eyes and joyful smile.
Painting the words of the nutcracker story with her graceful movements.
Or the long swoosh
As a waterfall of red curtain hides the joyful scene behind it.
The performers finally breaking character
Hugging and giggling
Bittersweet that the show is over.
But they shake their heads
Only knowing of a girl, perhaps.
And a sugar plum fairy?
Oblivious to the many others who help create the story.
They only briefly think of giant itchy pink skirts.
And boring music with no words,
Not of the beautiful work of art.