Backstage, the dancers lace up their shoes and adjust their costumes, preparing to bring Snow White to life under the stage lights, but before they can step into the spotlight, a lot has been done. Dancers Clemence Delfosse and Hazel McCauley share insight into what it’s like to be a part of the Snow White ballet.

“I play the old hag, and she is the transformation of the evil queen who tries to kill Snow White, and it’s really fun,” Delfosse said.

While Delfosse embraces the darker side of the story, her role also pushes her outside of her usual style.

“I do really like the hag, because usually I do more of a princessy style, like even in act two, I have a princess variation. And so it’s definitely making me have to bring a different side of dancing,” Delfosse said.

For McCauley, her character brings a completely different kind of energy to the stage.

“I’m kind of the Queen’s evil henchman. I’m there to be creepy and make it funny,” McCauley said.

Despite enjoying performing, some challenges come with it.

“Recently, I tried on my costume, and it has a very big hood; it’s very hard to see in it, and it’s kind of heavy, so that’s kind of been the hardest thing is trying to start dancing with something hanging in my face,” Delfosse said.

Even with preparation, working in a group setting adds another dimension.

“Sometimes it can be frustrating when it feels like other people, maybe, don’t know the counts, or they don’t know their dance. So sometimes it’s frustrating, but other times it’s really fun, especially when we’re in a core,” Delfosse said.

Despite the challenges, there are still many highlights of the experience.

“I love the costumes. Our costume designer, Susanna, she’s absolutely amazing. She always whips up the most insane costumes, and then just being on the stage, that’s really the best, and it makes everything worth it,” Delfosse said.

One of the most rewarding parts comes after the performance.

“I like the feeling after I’ve done it, like I did a good job. I like hanging out in the dressing room with all the other dancers and just playing games and stuff,” McCauley said.

The dancers also rely on one another to help get themselves in the right mindset before going on stage.

“I try to hype myself up with my friends, we’ll be in the dressing room, and we’ll just be blasting music and stuff, just to be in a good mood to go,” Delfosse said. “Because if you doubt yourself at all, then it shows up in your dancing.”

Delfosse believes that anyone thinking about trying ballet should.

“To just do it. It’s so much fun, and honestly, as long as your heart’s in it, and you’re actively trying all the time, you’ll get far,” Delfosse said.