Why I Loved The Nontraditional Red-Carpet Premiere For The Nutcracker And The Four Realms
I was invited to an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles courtesy of Disney to attend the #DisneysNutcrackerEvent & ABCTVEvent in exchange for my coverage. No other compensation was provided. All views shared are completely my own.
A little over a year ago, I was invited to my very first Disney press trip for a film and the excitement is still the same. I’m thankful to have had the privilege of attending the Red-Carpet Premiere of such a classic movie, THE NUTCRACKER AND THE REALMS.
This trip was so much fun and very different. It is amazing to see how Disney can create such magical and unique experiences on the carpet. This was one of the most unique premieres that I have attended. The red carpet is typically displayed on Hollywood Boulevard and leads everyone to the entrance of the theater. This time, the red carpet was inside of the pre-party, and was just as much fun…if not more!
As I entered the premier pre-party, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy. I forgot how insecure I was feeling in my dress because it was pretty low cut in the front. I instantly felt a magical feeling of peace and calmness, and I began to just enjoy the moment. Within minutes I was taking photos on the carpet – posing as if I was a cover girl in my red dress designed by Badgley Mischka, my earrings by Ocsar de la Renta both from Rent the Runway, and my hair and makeup by my boo Chris Gees.
The event was so amazing! It was not your typical pre-party at all. There were costumed actors walking around on stilts, giant lollipop trees, and OPI was there painting nails with the official OPI Nutcracker Collection. I even enjoyed the Hair Styling of the Four Realms booth and had my hair glittered with snowflakes representing the snowflake realm in the movie.
It was very different from my days as a kid running down Hollywood Blvd. to see the actors, directors, and other known celebrities walk the carpet, this was fun and filled with holiday magic. It was the perfect red-carpet event for a movie like THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS. I am so glad that I was able to experience the intimacy of this type of premier event, it really allowed organic conversations with celebrities. I was waiting in line at the bar and happened to be standing behind Maya Lynne Robinson and Michael Fishman of the ABC Show “The Conners.” We just started talking and stood there for a good 15 minutes talking about how we were enjoying the activities at the party. Moments later, Guillermo Diaz walked up right behind me and we talked for a while. I must admit, I was so having a moment….I was a HUGE Scandal fan and he was my fave! I could not believe that I was talking to Huck AND he tried to kiss me. LOL!!
Words can’t adequately describe my gratitude for the opportunity to attend THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS premiere. It was just the boost I needed to build my confidence. You all know that I have endured a few health challenges lately, and those health issues brought along a few friends like insecurity, doubt, and fear. The invitation for this event was exactly what I needed to change my perspective. It was the right people, timing and activities to inspire me back to my authentic self. And the movie was just what I needed to remind me of the type of mom I want to be. Sorry but you will have to go see it in theaters tomorrow (November 2nd) or wait for my review for elaboration of that one.
As I left the pre-party and walked over to the El Capitan Theatre, I remember thinking how blessed I felt. Not because I had just taken photos with Mario Lopez or was in the same room as Morgan Freeman, but because God saw fit for to honor my dreams. He’s allowing me to do what I love and that is to inspire and motivate moms – even through experiences like this one. And as you can see, I was transformed by the Four Realms. LOL!!!
Watching THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS with the cast was amazing as usual. When Misty appeared on the screen for the first time the attendees erupted in praise, especially the kids from the Boys and Girls Club that she invited as her personal guests. It was extra special.
Good stuff right? You want to gather up the kids and take them to see this movie tomorrow, you won’t be disappointed. While I am pretty sure I can speak for the other 24 bloggers that joined me on this trip, I won’t, I will say I am 99.9% sure they enjoyed the experience just as much as I did.
We all have dreams, goals, and a story. Some are riddled with laughter, joy, and excitement….and others may be sprinkled with pain, hurt and doubt. Either way, if we continue to pursue our dreams and goals and add each defining moment to our story, we will evolve into our most authentic selves. But it will take work.
I’ve often said, it takes courage to be your best self, especially as moms. Make the best of the opportunities given instead of complaining about what you wish you had. We are all walking the red carpet of life, you may as well enjoy the journey as you take the front row seat in your life.
Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing more stories from the #DisneysNutcrackerkEvent. Stay tuned for exclusive interviews with cast members Mackenzie Foy (Clara) and Misty Copeland (Ballerina) and the exclusive Nutcracker dance lesson.
You can also stay informed about THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS by visiting the website, following on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also follow along using the #DisneysNutcrackerEvent hashtag.
[latoyia]