Congrats @michaeladeprince, we are so excited for you!! Repost: “I am thrilled to announce that I have been chosen to dance the principal role of Clara/Sugar Plum Fairy on December 28 and December 31 in the Dutch National Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. This calls to mind how much I longed to dance the role of Marie (the equivalent of the child, Clara, in the Balanchine Nutcracker) when I was a child, but it was believed by the artistic director in that U.S. company that the world wasn’t ready for a black Marie. Thank you Ted Brandsen, the artistic director of the Dutch National Ballet, and the ballet mistresses here, for believing that the world is ready for a black Clara. I am deeply honored that you have chosen me for this role. The dream and delight of The Nutcracker should be for children and adults of all colors and all lands. #nutcracker @nationaleoperaballet @oscarstarballet #michaeladeprince”