OMAHA — May 8, 2016 — “The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of [their moms as] Sugar Plums danced in their heads.” ~ Clement Clark Moore
While we may have taken a small liberty with a verse from A Visit from St. Nicholas above, it perfectly describes the recent journey of three current and former American Midwest Ballet dancers.
Within the past few months, these Sugar Plum Fairies became Sugar Plum Mommies — or “momarinas” as our staff fondly refers to them.
This Mother’s Day, we asked artistic director Erika Overturff, company dancer Vivi DiMarco, and former company dancer Natasha Grimm Gregory to tell us what they loved about being new moms.
Here is what they shared:
Erika and Stellan
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I am so happy to be Stellan’s mommy. He is precious. We adore him. Having a child gives you a whole new understanding of your parents and all they have done for you. I have been so lucky to have the best role model in my own amazing mom.
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Vivi and Miriam
Being with Mira opens my eyes to the wonders of the little things. Watching her discover how to move her hands, the smell of lilacs, the feel of water – it makes me appreciate those things all over again. It’s also given me a renewed sense of the importance of performance. Miriam responds so much more intensely to music or dance that is right in front of her, not coming from a speaker or playing on a screen. Live art is so much more captivating!
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Natasha and Vera
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It is indescribable how full my heart is. I never knew it was possible to be this happy, proud, or to love this much. I have always wanted to be a mom and it is better than I could have ever imagined. There is no such thing as a bad day. One look at her and all my worries are melted away. She makes my life worth living. It is the best feeling being so confident knowing this is what I was made to do. Being a mommy to my little one is the best “job” in the world! I am beyond blessed to have her in my life.
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All three babies have already spent plenty of time at the theater, as evidenced below.
LEFT: Mira takes a nap as her mom, Vivi, reviews rehearsal notes at the theater
MIDDLE: Stellan visits with his great-grandpa while mom, Erika, runs a dress rehearsal
RIGHT: Vera and her mom, Natasha, take in an afternoon dress rehearsal of The Nutcracker