As we gear up for the holiday season, San Jose Dance Theatre is thrilled to welcome back No One, the professional drag artist reprising the role of Mother Cupcake in The Nutcracker. We sat down with No One to dive into their journey, the unique blend of drag and ballet, and what makes this role so special. Here’s what they shared:
Returning as Mother Cupcake: What the Role Means “This role has fulfilled my dream of wanting to be in the ballet. I still want to be a ballerina, but this is a start! Playing Mother Cupcake lets me share my love for drag on a theatrical stage—something not many drag artists get to do. The first performance was so much fun, and this year we’re going even bigger.”
The Unique Blend of Drag and Ballet “I believe drag brings levity and joy to any space. If a six-foot-tall woman in bold makeup and sparkles walked into a room, wouldn’t that brighten your day? The Nutcracker is already full of magic and sparkle, so a drag queen adds that extra layer of enchantment. Plus, who better to fill the giant dress of Mother Cupcake than a personality that matches its size?”
Preparation and Favorite Moments “Drag is naturally larger-than-life, so preparing for Mother Cupcake involves embodying that grand energy. My favorite part? Encouraging the audience to cheer for my Cookies and celebrating these young performers. It’s an absolute joy!”
Audience Reactions and What They Mean “The feedback has been magical. People who might not have seen a drag performance before get a chance to witness the art form in a familiar setting. Adding drag to The Nutcracker is like putting the star on a beautifully decorated tree—it adds that final touch of sparkle.”
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Rewards “Blending drag with ballet can raise some eyebrows, especially since I’m not a classically trained ballerina. But the real reward is merging drag’s expressive nature with ballet’s precision. It’s like peanut butter and jam—great on their own, but even better together.”
The Message for Young Dancers “I hope to show young dancers, especially those exploring gender and identity, that there’s a place for everyone on stage. When I was young, seeing people live their truth inspired me to find mine. Now, I want to carry that torch and be a guiding light for others.”
Memorable Moments “My most cherished memory is meeting my Cookies for the first time last year. They were so curious about me without my makeup and hilariously dubbed me ‘Father Cupcake’ before seeing me in full drag. Their enthusiasm and support were heartwarming.”
Drag and Ballet: A Future of Collaboration “There’s so much potential for drag and ballet to come together more often. Art needs to evolve, and merging these two disciplines can lead to something truly unique. Maybe one day we’ll see a performance that combines the best of both worlds.”
The Start of a Journey in Drag “I grew up in a small town outside Sacramento, where exploring identity wasn’t easy. Drag gave me the chance to embrace my background in theater and dance in a whole new way. Starting drag in college and returning to it in 2019 allowed me to blend all my passions into one art form.”
Advice for Aspiring Performers “Just start. Your first try won’t be perfect, but drag isn’t about perfection—it’s about how you feel. Empowerment comes from within, and drag is simply a tool to unlock it. Carry that confidence with you always.”
Looking Ahead “Reflecting on my journey fills me with pride. I think about that little kid who wanted to be seen, and I know I’ve made him proud. Next, I’ll continue honing my craft, aiming for larger productions, and hopefully, a spot on RuPaul’s Drag Race!”