Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Lindenfeld.
Hi Ali, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started volunteering with Community Nutcracker 15 years ago when my oldest daughter auditioned and received a role. At the time I knew it was a privilege to be able to dance with this company on stage at The Florida Theatre, but I did not realize how much this organization gives back to the entire North Florida Community through donations, community service, scholarships, and performances geared towards not only the general public, but everyone in the area. Being on the Board of Directors is an incredible experience and allows me to serve my community and help on many different levels. Not only am I a part of this dance family, but also able to support organizations such as Dreams Come True and WeCare Jacksonville. Truly performance week is my favorite week of the year!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Every year brings a new set of dancers and a new set of talent and many new audience members to the production. We challenge ourselves every year to increase the quality and showmanship of this ballet, which includes updating backdrops, creating new costumes and props and employing amazing principal dancers who are the only paid performers. Being an all-volunteer organization means it can be challenging to place everyone in the perfect role, but we love how everyone steps up and brings their best regardless!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a volunteer who has worn many hats in the organization and sometimes many hats each year, I am most proud of how, after 11 weeks of separate rehearsals, this show comes together and produces six full length performances of Tchaikovsky‘s Nutcracker Ballet over 1 week .It’s truly extraordinary and absolutely a beautiful way to start the holidays. I love seeing our Nutcracker family and how we all pull together and mirror the phrase “Let’s Get Crackin’!
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I feel extremely lucky and blessed to continue volunteering even after my girls stopped performing in the show as its mission and tradition continues. I love seeing our board members every month for our meeting as we plan for the next production stating in February! These volunteers and board members are the absolute best and I love the friendships we have created along the way.
Pricing:
- Tickets are on sale right now at the historic Florida Theatre
- 3 Public Performances Friday Night 7:30, Saturday Matinee 1pm and Saturday evening Gala 7:30pm
- www.jaxnutcracker.org
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jaxnutcracker.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxnutcracker?igsh=b2NmcjNkY25saXpu
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AKHAcHKsa/?mibextid=wwXIfr
