For 37 years, the same ankle-length burgundy dress has graced the stage during Ballet Minnesota’s annual production of “The Classic Nutcracker.” This treasured costume, adorned with a pink petticoat and lace ruffles, has been worn by numerous dancers portraying the beloved character Clara. The dress was discovered by Cheryl Rist in 1988 and has since been meticulously maintained for the company’s performances.
Rist, who oversees costumes for Ballet Minnesota, recalls finding the dress at an antique store. “It had the right feel to it,” she noted. Although Rist cannot remember the store’s name or how much she paid for it, she knew immediately that it needed modifications to fit the vision of Clara’s character. Over the years, she has added ruffles and ensured the garment connects with the visual narrative of the ballet. “The color helps tell the story,” Rist explained, highlighting how Clara’s mother and the Sugar Plum Fairy also wear shades of magenta, linking them through both reality and dreams.
Innovative Design for Stage Performance
The design of Clara’s dress incorporates practical elements tailored for stage performance. During a pivotal moment in the ballet, Clara quickly sheds her dress to reveal a nightgown underneath. Rist engineered the garment to “fall off Clara when she goes off stage,” allowing her just ten seconds to change and return. The collar and ruffles of the dress mirror those of the nightgown, creating a seamless transition.
“It’s like a trap door,” described Clara Jang, a 13-year-old dancer portraying Clara this year. The quick-change mechanism involves a backstage assistant who unsnaps the bow at the back of the dress, facilitating the swift costume change.
The dress is adjustable to accommodate the height of different ballerinas, allowing it to remain a staple in Ballet Minnesota’s productions. Rist ensures that it is cleaned, repaired, and ready for each performance, stating, “It’s still in good condition. It still looks really good on stage.”
A Legacy of Dance and Craftsmanship
Rist, also a co-founder and director of the Classical Ballet Academy in St. Paul, has a deep-rooted connection to both dance and costume design. After becoming pregnant, she transitioned from performing to sewing, learning how to create tutus and costumes during her time in a costume shop. “I had friends in the costume shop, and they encouraged me to learn how to make a tutu,” she explained.
Today, Rist continues to balance her roles as a dancer, teacher, and costume designer. She has been involved in the creation of numerous costumes, including those for the Sugar Plum Fairy. As she prepares for each production, Rist reflects on the incredible journey of Clara’s dress and its significance within the ballet community.
Clara Jang, who has cherished “The Nutcracker” since she first experienced it in kindergarten, expressed excitement about wearing the iconic dress. Her fellow performer, Cindy Chen, also 13, shares this sentiment, stating, “Being able to add my name to the list makes me feel very happy.” The two dancers will alternate performances, showcasing their talent in front of audiences during the upcoming shows.
Preparations are underway for the performances of “The Classic Nutcracker,” which will take place at The O’Shaughnessy on the campus of St. Catherine University on December 20 and 21, 2024. Tickets are available for $20-47, and the show promises to enchant audiences once again with its blend of tradition and artistry.
As Rist considers the future of Clara’s dress, she acknowledges the eventual need for a replacement. “It’s going to take a while to find something,” she said, noting that the process of sourcing the right materials can take up to two years. Until then, Clara’s dress will continue to be a beloved part of Ballet Minnesota’s heritage, enchanting audiences and dancers alike.
