Ellis studied at the North Carolina School of the Arts and is a ballerina for the Washington Ballet. This holiday season, the 23-year-old is playing both the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Snow Queen in Septime Webre’s production of “The Nutcracker” at the Warner Theatre. Is this your first time playing the Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy?
Yes, this is my first time playing the Snow Queen, but I first played the Sugar Plum Fairy in 2004 back when I was in school. I was very young and it’s the ultimate little girl’s dream to play the Sugar Plum Fairy. Usually the first ballet you go to is “The Nutcracker.” The first time was a mix of nerves and excitement. You definitely grow as an artist as an artist as well.
How is the role of the Snow Queen different from the Sugar Plum Fairy?
The Snow Queen is a little more active, she’s not as regal as the Fairy. The dance is also quicker; it’s definitely more neoclassical, while the Fairy is more classical.
Webre’s “Nutcracker” is set in 19th century Georgetown, what do you like about this interpretation?
I love the theme Webre has going. It’s really comforting to come to this “Nutcracker.” I lived abroad for three years in Amsterdam, and [this “Nutcracker”] really feels like home. It’s a very American “Nutcracker.”
You recently played the part of Daisy Buchanan in Washington Ballet’s production of “The Great Gatsby.” Was it hard translating this literary character into a ballet?
It seems difficult because it is very literary, but it helps to have the movie and watch Mia Farrow as a guideline. F. Scott Fitzgerald sort of made it easier for me with the description in the story, to get a grasp to understand the character. – Leigh Giangreco
