I used to think confidence was something you either had or didn’t. Like some people were just born with it — bold, fearless, certain — while others were meant to stand in the background, quietly cheering them on. I spent a lot of time waiting for someone to hand it to me, as if confidence was an invitation to a party that everyone else was already at.

From the beginning, I always imagined The Creole Nutcracker as more than just a stage production. I saw it as a brand, one that could live through books, merchandise, and products that celebrate and honor Creole culture.

At the same time, BTE is about supporting the local creative economy. Every production we do creates paid opportunities for directors, actors, stage managers, lighting designers, set designers, and others. This is a core part of who we are. We are not a community theatre. We are a professional regional theatre company, and we believe artists deserve to be paid and respected for their work.

"A Dance Journey: My Trip to Belgium and the Impact on My Artistic Vision"