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For many ballet companies, performingThe Nutcrackeris an annual holiday tradition.
Courtesy of Jenelle Manzi
It was the scene Manzi was most nervous about, after knocking over a candle during the dress rehearsal.
But for her first performance back, she nailed it.
Whenever things feel tough, I always reflect on how Im living out my lifelong dreamnothing beats it.
Plus, even after her curtain call, Manzi doesnt have much time to rest.
She uses her off hours to runGet Golden, a natural snack company she launched in 2020.
Stage makeup does a number on your skin, so skin care is crucial.
I take really good care of my skin because we put so much makeup on.
During Christmastime and New Years, we are performing two-show days back-to-back constantly.
Over the years, Ive gone through periods where my skin has been really irritated.
Now, I have a system thats all about calming my skin.
First, while I shower, I double cleanse my face.
I useEnvirons Low Foam Cleansing Gel.
Its very plain and basic, but I really like that its calming on my skin.
Then I wash my hair.
It dries my hair very fast.
Then I useForlled Hyalogy P-effect Refining Lotion, which is a great toner/lotion.
Anything that I put on my skin at night cant sting.
Next up isEnvirons Vita- Antioxidant AVST Gel.
Then, my favorite cream,Augustinus Baders The Cream.
Its the most expensive cream I know, but I love it.
Its the one cream that makes my skin really happy.
I invest in it because I see a difference.
When I started having allergic reactions, I began experimenting with natural products.
I discovered Living Libations about 10 years ago, and started using itsYogi Tooth Serum.
My teeth get so shiny.
I know its not glamorous, but it’s a great product.
They have this greatmouthwashandtongue scrapertoo.
Living Libations Yogi Tooth Serum
Living Libations
Then its time for some self-massage.
This kind of massage is one of my favorite forms of self-care.
I set a calming environment for winding down.
Im pretty wired after a nighttime show, so I need to wind down my body and my mind.
I start by lighting theFour Thieves Candlefrom Amass.
It has really warming, essential oils in it, like clove.
Amass Four Thieves Candle
Amass
Then I bring on the ice.
Depending on how sore my feet are, I may use an ice bucket on my feet.
I leave the bucket right by my couch so I dont forget.
I put a little mixture of Epsom salt, wintergreen rubbing alcohol, baking soda and ice.
Icing my feet every night is a game changer: It helps take the swelling down.
Because this ice bucket is really uncomfortable, Ill watch something while I do it.
Usually, its a lot ofHuberman Lab on YouTube.
I settle down with tea and dessert.
I love this, its my favorite thing ever.
I change up my recipe depending on the season.
Right now, its minty since it’s the holidays.
If youre ever in New York, you have to go to his tea stand.
I power up myred lightand my bedtime app.
But Ive noticed significant improvement in my inflammation and pain when I use it.
I use theMitoPRO Series red lightfor 15 minutes on my face and 15 minutes on my legs.
While this is going on, I open up myCalm appfor meditation.
I love the sleep stories.
Then its straight to bed.
It takes a village to perform.
For instance, talking with my girls in the dressing room before the show gets me in the zone.
Theres this bond and mutual understanding of what were going through.
They can tell when youre sad or having a bad day.
They put little gifts on our costumes and decorate the entire room with fun lights.
Usually they say encouraging things like, Have fun!
You’re going to be beautiful!
which means shit in French.
Its always something very motherly.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
