Credit: Rue La La
Week after week, Rue La La’s team of stylists, photographers, art directors, models, and hair and makeup artists hit the streets to create fresh, compelling editorial stories that surprise and delight our Members.
For our Superstar Edit Boutique (live now on the site!), we partnered with Boston Ballet to capture the magic of their imaginative rendering of The Nutcracker. The Rue La La team spent the day at the Ballet’s headquarters, leveraging props and costumes from the show – and even got to meet a principal dancer, Lia Cirio, who graciously donated an hour of her time for a few close-ups and a quick Q&A.
Read on to learn how Lia got started, what drives her passion for ballet, and how she brings holiday magic to the stage each and every year. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at our day on set.
Q&A WITH LIA CIRIO – PRINCIPAL DANCER, BOSTON BALLET
Rue La La: What was your first experience with The Nutcracker?
Lia Cirio: When I was 3 years old, my parents took me to see Pennsylvania Ballet’s The Nutcracker. As soon as the curtain went up, I was in love. All I could talk about was being Clara. In many ways, The Nutcracker played a big part in the start of my dancing.
RLL: You’ve just recently started rehearsals. Which role are you playing this year, and how’s the production coming along? What’s different this year from last year or the years prior?
LC: I have been dancing the same roles for quite a while. I am dancing Sugar Plum, Snow Queen, and Arabian. Boston Ballet’s production is so stunning. Because we do it every year and perform over 40 shows, the production moves like clockwork. We know what we are doing, and each year the dancers, stage managers, stage hands, and orchestra members all improve and make it even more magical.
RLL: How do you keep it feeling fresh with such a storied and classic production?
LC: Because I have danced this ballet and these roles so much, I like to keep them fresh by changing up little things such as arms or accents in my solos and pas de deux. I work with my partners, and we talk about different intentions and thoughts to keep everything fresh. Sometimes I will add a new turn or jump to mix it up.
RLL: Favorite scene or choreographic moment in the show?
LC: There is a moment at the end of the ballet when Clara wakes up from her “dream” and discovers the crown that the Sugar Plum Fairy gave her. Every time I see the little Clara find it, I get chills! It is so magical.
RLL: You’ve been dancing with Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen since the start of your professional career. How did that come to be?
LC: I came and auditioned for Boston Ballet when I was 16. Mikko watched me take class, and he immediately offered me a Boston Ballet II job. Mikko has watched me grow up and develop in my technique and artistry. He has given me so many amazing opportunities to dance and has trusted me with big roles. He’s kind of like my ballet father.
RLL: What do you love most about the company?
LC: What I have always loved about this company is its diverse repertoire. We get to dance classical, neo-classical, and contemporary. We are always pushed and challenged, and I love that. Another amazing thing about Boston Ballet is that we are such a family. A lot of us have grown up together here, and we care about each other so much. We are very caring and supportive. The ballet world can be such a harsh place, so having a nice working environment is really important to us.
RLL: How do you make time for yourself and your loved ones during the holidays?
LC: I make sure that when I have a show off I take time for myself. When I have downtime, I lay low and pamper myself. In addition, I love Christmas shopping and finding the perfect gifts for my friends and family. I find shopping very therapeutic. Walking around Boston during Christmas puts me in the holiday spirit! I am very blessed because my family lives in Pennsylvania, and they come up every year to celebrate Christmas. We have our traditions now here in Boston, and we embrace every moment together.
Credit: Rue La La
RLL: Favorite holiday tradition?
LC: Did I mention I love Christmas!? My favorite holiday tradition is picking out a tree and decorating it. I also love wrapping gifts… I’m strangely good at it.
RLL: Tell me about the Cirio Collective? What was the genesis of the company? How would you define its mission?
LC: Cirio Collective is a small, summer, contemporary company my brother, Jeffrey Cirio, and I formed back in 2015. We wanted to create a safe place for dancers, choreographers, and all different artists to collaborate and create together. We had always dreamed of having our own company, and it is unbelievable to us that we are heading into our fifth season.
RLL: Several years on, what productions or collaborations are you most proud of? Any exciting works you’re looking forward to now?
LC: My career has been filled with so many incredible moments. It is extremely difficult for me to pinpoint one production or moment of which I am most proud. This season I choreographed for the first time, and that was a moment I never thought would happen. I guess I am proud I conquered that fear.
I am extremely excited to get to perform in William Forsythe’s Blake Works I this season. We have been rehearsing the ballet recently, and there is something really special about it. I would not want to miss that program (Full on Forsythe) in the spring, so get your butts in the Opera House seats!
RLL: What are you listening to right now?
LC: Hozier’s EP “Nina Cried Power” and James Blake’s “Colour in Anything.”
RLL: Who’s your style crush?
LC: There are a couple different people I like to follow on Instagram to steal little fashion ideas from, such as Blake Lively and Camille Charriere. I also follow fashion blogs, such as Who What Wear. I have always been interested in creating my own voice in style. If I like something, I’ll wear it. And if I feel good in it, then I don’t care what other people think of my outfit. I think it’s important in fashion to feel most like yourself.
RLL: Have you made any killer splurges or purchases recently?
LC: I just bought a pair of nude Christian Louboutins. I had a pair but got rid of them (long story), so naturally I had to buy a new and improved version.
To see Lia in action and enjoy the seasonal splendor of Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker, click here to purchase tickets.
By Joseph Gordon Cleveland, Art Director
