By Melissa Forstner
Alexandre Christiansen is one of the two young princes who toured with Ballet Jorgen Canada this season as we performed The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition throughout Ontario. At age 13, Alex already dreams of becoming a professional dancer. His experience being part of a professional production has made him determined to make that dream a reality.
Alex's mother, Sophia, says that by 18 months, Alex was dancing spontaneously to Chopin. Noticing this, she called a local ballet teacher to inquire whether children that young were ever enrolled in ballet. At first, the teacher was hesitant to take Alex, but when she saw his natural inclination to move, she placed him in her pre-ballet class. By age 2, he was on the recital stage doing the same steps as the 5 year olds.
Now Alex studies classical ballet daily at the Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts. It is a small, independent school with excellent teachers but Sophia felt he needed additional performance experience. The posting she saw on the school bulletin board for children's auditions for BJC's Nutcracker seemed like the perfect fit. Since auditioning in Kitchener, Alex has enjoyed his experience tremendously. He loved socializing with the other children in the cast and getting to know the professional dancers. He thrives on the long hours spent in rehearsal and in the theatre. He and Sophia both really appreciate the opportunity he has had to work with male role models, something rare for a young boy in the ballet world. In particular, Alex enjoys listening as Artistic Director Bengt Jorgen rehearses the company. He appreciates the soft-spoken approach Bengt takes with his corrections, and finds that Bengt's positive manner motivates him to be a better dancer.
Sophia is so grateful for the opportunity for personal growth Alex has been given that she volunteers at the BJC merchandise table during his performances.