On December 4th, A&A Ballet presents another glamorous performance of “The Art Deco Nutcracker“. Alexei Kremnev‘s eighth full-length ballet plans to make Tchaikovsky’s classic music shine in front of a modern audience. This version of “The Nutcracker”, which is set in America during the 1920s, stars dancer Aiden Moss as The Nutcracker Prince.

Recently, BTSCelebs was offered the wonderful opportunity to interview this young artist, who is an aspiring studio owner himself. In our exclusive interview, Aiden introduces himself, mentions his dance beginnings, discusses his role in the holiday special and more.

Meet dancer Aiden Moss now.

BTSCelebs: Who is Aiden Moss professionally?

[Aiden Moss] is an aspiring dancer, who is currently training under the A&A faculty here in Chicago. He will someday use all the knowledge he’s accumulating to be a studio owner one day. Also, he is a store director for Chick-fil-A who primarily runs the back of the house. He loves the parts of the job where he can hustle and show others how to make their job easier.

What piqued your interest in dance?

I began my dancing at the age of 5 when I took my older sisters ballet class one day just for fun. And fell in love with it. I was about 14 when the classical ballet took over my life and I started looking at it as something that I never wanted to stop doing. I love the strict standards that the Vaganova method of ballet brings to the studio and your life.

Why did you choose to join “The Art Deco Nutcracker”?

I always jump to the opportunity to dance in The Nutcracker every year and the “Art Deco” is no exception. The level of technical excellence and the emotion in the characters that us A&A dancers have the pleasure to perform for the community is something that I will always be thankful to be apart of.

Tell us about one thing you have in common with your character Nutcracker Prince and one thing that differs.

Something that I found similar to The Nutcracker Prince is leadership. During the first act, The Nutcracker (still in doll form) has to lead an army of soldiers into battle. I think it relates well to my director position at Chick-fil-A, where I have to lead my “army” into the battle of community crevice. We may not have to battle rats and mice, but the battle of a city full of hungry guests.

I think something that differs between to character and myself is when the character is trapped inside his doll form until Clara helps him defeat the mouse king. Then he is free and can be himself. I don’t think I’ve ever been as trapped in myself in such a way. I’ve always known myself as a person and what I believe in has never changed. That’s helped me get to where I am today. Through my young professional journey.

What timeless message do you hope audiences take away from “The Art Deco Nutcracker” this holiday season?

For one, I hope the audience finds joy from the experience of seeing an amazing performance with their families. We are still coming out of a season of not performing, so I hope to show the audience that it’s ok to be imaginative with family and friends. That you can still enjoy spending time with family and friends and still making memories this season.

What is one priceless piece of advice you cherish from your instructors at A&A Ballet?

I really value everything I learn at the A&A ballet from everyone there. Alexei Kremnev has really taught me to let loose when dancing roles, such as the Nutcracker Prince and to really embody the role to fullest. Take time to learn the story, scene, and part.

What productions and special surprises should fans expect from you in 2022?

Expect to see dancers excel in excellence in every role we portray, definitely in the next Art Deco Nutcracker. Dancers are always improving so that next season we can show the audience the best part of ourselves.

Learn more about “The Art Deco Nutcracker” by visiting A&A Ballet’s website – aacenterfordance.org.

A Special Thanks to Aiden Moss and A&A Ballet for the images and exclusive interview.