Morgann Rose
MORGANN ROSE, of Lake Forest, California, is in her 11th season with The Washington Ballet after dancing one season with Elliot Feld's Ballet Tech in New York City. She began her training with Rebecca Wright, Tania Lichine and David Allen. She received scholarships to several prominent summer programs including the School of American Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and National Ballet of Canada. Ms. Rose graduated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts high school program before joining her first ballet company. In addition to dancing with The Washington Ballet, she has been a guest artist with the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Carolina Ballet, City Dance Ensemble and ARKA Ballet. Some of her principal roles have included Myrta in Giselle, Snow Queen in Septime Webre's The Nutcracker, Effe in La Sylphide and Choleric in The Four Temperaments. Recently, Ms. Rose has become a certified Gyrotonic instructor.
QUESTION & ANSWER
TWB: How do you prepare for such a long run like The Nutcracker?
Morgann: Mentally I am already prepared for the long run because I have been doing it for so long! I was in the original cast of Septime Weber's Nutcracker 6 years ago and I have learned almost every role a woman can have in it! I have been dancing the same 7 roles for the past 3 years , so I am very confident in my partners and the choreography. I prepare physically by making sure my legs are not too tight. I stretch a lot and massage my calves and feet as much as possible.
TWB: What was your favorite role to dance in the Nutcracker as a child? How about now as a professional dancer?
Morgann: My favorite role as a child was Clara. It is every little ballerina's dream to dance Clara! Now as a professional, my favorite role is the Anacostian Maiden in Septime Weber's Nutcracker. It has the perfect balance of classical and contemporary movement in it!
TWB: What are your family’s holiday traditions and what is your favorite thing about the holiday season?
Morgann: My family tradition is changing now that I am married. Typically I spend part of Christmas with my family.... Christmas Eve with my husband's father and Christmas Day with my husband's mother! My favorite part about the holiday season is the fact that it is my husband's favorite holiday! I know how much he loves it, so we start opening presant's on Christmas Eve and then go through New Years!!!
