The New York City Ballet’s Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition. For over 60 years, audiences have marveled at the beauty and grace of the dancers as they bring Tchaikovsky’s timeless score to life. One of the most important roles in this annual performance is Clara, the young girl who embarks on a magical journey through a winter wonderland.
Each year, NYCB selects an outstanding young dancer to portray Clara in their production of The Nutcracker. This year, the role goes to 12-year-old ballet prodigy Isabella Boylston.
A native of Washington State, Isabella began her dance training at age seven after being inspired by her older sister’s ballet classes. She quickly developed a passion for ballet and was accepted into Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s Professional Division when she was nine years old.
Since then, Isabella has made quite an impression in the world of classical dance. In 2011, she won first place in the Youth America Grand Prix Competition and was promoted to soloist with PNB shortly afterwards. In 2012, she joined NYCB as an apprentice and was promoted to corps de ballet just two years later.
In 2016, Isabella was chosen as one of three dancers from NYCB’s corps de ballet to perform as Clara during this year’s performances at Lincoln Center. It is an honor for any dancer to be given this opportunity and Isabella is grateful for it: “I’m so excited for this opportunity,” she said in an interview with The New York Times. “I’m really lucky that I get to be part of such a special production.”
So while you’re watching The Nutcracker this holiday season, keep your eye out for Isabella Boylston! She will be bringing Clara and her magical journey to life on stage with her captivating grace and artistry.
Conclusion: This year’s Clara in the New York City Ballet’s Nutcracker production is 12-year-old ballerina prodigy Isabella Boylston. A native of Washington State, Isabella has been dancing since age seven and joined NYCB as an apprentice in 2012 before being promoted to corps de ballet two years later. She is one of three dancers from NYCB’s corps de ballet chosen to perform as Clara during this year’s performances at Lincoln Center – an honor for any dancer!