MY OUTLOOK: DaYoung Jung

How long have you been dancing?

I started dancing in Korea when
I was 12, and I’m 26 now.

How does it feel to be a lead in
the Nutcracker?

The sugar plum fairy is one of
my favorite roles and is a magical part of The Nutcracker. It’s a very mature
role compared to Clara, the little girl. However I enjoy both and they are both
very challenging.

Why do you think the Nutcracker
has remained as a holiday standard?

The Nutcracker is a symbol of
Christmas, and it is easy to watch because the ballet isn’t too classical.
Everyone can enjoy it!

What is your favorite part of
the musical?

The second act. You get to see
all of the different types of dancing— Spanish Hot Chocolate dancers, Arabian
Coffee dancers, Chinese Tea dancers, Danish Marzipan dancers, Russian Candy
Cane dancers… I love it! And, of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy dance!

What is your favorite ballet?
Have you had a chance to perform it?

When I was a child, The
Nutcracker was my favorite ballet and I always wanted to have a lead role. I’m
so lucky my dream finally came true!

What is the most important part
of preparation for you?

Coffee. If I don’t have coffee,
I can’t do anything!

Besides the Nutcracker, what are
your favorite holiday-themed plays or movies?

I like watching Home Alone…I
love that movie!

What is the hardest part about
ballet?

It’s hard to control my body. We
get tired so easily, and then working with point shoes on it can be difficult
for a woman dancer. It’s difficult to keep healthy and in shape all the time.

You are originally from Korea.
What is life like in Edmond compared to there?

Edmond is very quiet, and I like
that it’s a small-town. There are no big buildings. Edmond is very clean and
has very nice people.

What do you like to do in your
spare time?

I like to play golf. I just
started learning it, but it’s too cold to play now! I also like watching
movies.

Anything else we should know?

The dancers for the OKC Ballet
performance of the Nutcracker are working really hard every day. We want to
show our audience everything we’ve got because we appreciate them coming to see
us!

For ticket information, visit
okcballet.com/nutcracker.