66 November 24 2016 W hen Sydney Fong was 6, her mom, Barbara Collins, did what many moms do she signed her daugh- ter up for dance classes. Little did she know her daughter would fall in love with ballet and would be pirouetting profession- ally just two years later. Now 11, Sydney is poised to appear, for the third year in a row, in the BalletMet production of The Nutcracker, Nov. 25-27, at the Detroit Opera House. One of more than 80 local dancers featured in the production, Sydney plays the parts of a Party Girl and a Ginger to the live Michigan Opera Theatre orchestra playing the classic Tchaikovsky score, more than 100 years old. The ballet tells the story of the young Clara and her beloved Nutcracker-turned-prince as they journey together to the Land of Sweets for a magical Christmas Eve. Sydney took time out of rehearsal to chat with the JN: JN: Where do you go to school? Sydney Fong: I m in sixth grade at Derby Middle School in Birmingham. I also attend Hebrew school at Temple Beth El. JN: Where do you dance? Do you study other styles besides ballet? SF: I m a member of Eisenhower Dance Center in Birmingham. I m also a member of student company [she will perform at the Detroit Opera House in January, and will also compete at the Youth America Grand Prix in Pittsburgh in January]. I also take contemporary and jazz classes. Ballet is my favorite but contemporary is a close second! JN: How many hours a week do you dance? How long did you pre- pare for this role? SF: I usually dance about 12 hours a week. For The Nutcracker, we pre- pared for eight weeks. Rehearsals were always on the weekends Saturday and Sunday on top of the 12 hours. [She s good at time management, her mom says.] JN: Do you see dance as a pos- sible career? SF: This is a question I get asked a lot. I would really like to pursue bal- let, but I m not totally convinced yet. I also have a passion for writing and playing tennis. JN: What do you love about dancing? SF: It allows me to take my mind off of reality. I feel free when I m dancing. JN: Do you get nervous when you re on stage? SF: Sometimes. But once I m on stage, I always forget my fears. If your dreams don t scare, then they re not big enough.* arts & life d a n c e Tiny Dancer The JN chats with 11-year-old ballerina Sydney Fong, performing in The Nutcracker. Lynne Konstantin | Arts & Life Editor details BalletMet s The Nutcracker will have four performances Nov. 25-27 at the Detroit Opera House. Complementary activities during family matinees include live rein- deer prior to the performance, free ice cream from Treat Dreams and the Sugar Plum Parade on stage following the performance. $29-$110. (313) 237-7464; michiganopera.org. Sydney Fong EXQUISITE FOOD & EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE EpicKosher.com Catering@EpicKosher.com Supervised by the Council of Orthodox Rabbis of Greater Detroit CHOLOV YISROEL KOSHER CUISINE GLATT KOSHER CUISINE 2046060 Off / 2 2053750 248.476.0044 Not good with any other coupons. Not good on holidays. One coupon per couple. Up to $30 Expires 11/30/16 Not good with any other coupon. Not good on holidays. One coupon per couple. Up to $30 Expires 11/30/16 Kids Eat Free Monday THE GALLERY RESTAURANT Daily Special to choose from for lunch & dinner Dinner specials come with complimentary rice or chocolate pudding or jello For 40 years, Gallery Restaurant has served up masterpieces ~ Danny Raskin www.thegalleryrestaurant2.com OPEN 7 DAYS: Now Serving Beer & Wine 2134290 7 oz. Filet $2295 includes potato, vegetable, soup or salad, garlic bread basket & butter. 248-994-1111 www.lellisinn.com CELEBRATING OUR 6 Year Anniversary 27925 Golf Pointe Boulevard, Farmington Hills (12 Mile just west of Halsted) To celebrate our 6 year anniversary, choose from 6 entrees starting at $14.95 Not valid 11-23, holidays, or Saturday s. No sharing. Not valid 11-23, holidays, or Saturday s. No sharing.