OKC Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ is a holiday tradition

Oklahoma City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” charmed an audience of dance patrons at Wednesday evening’s dress rehearsal. While there are always a few surprises in the annual production, its familiar story and landscape of home, family and love provide an opportunity to celebrate these things that most of us hold dear.

Mayu Odaka, as Clara, and Randolph Fernandez, as the Nutcracker Prince, danced together with youthful exuberance, especially in a grand, soaring pas de deux at the beginning of the Snow scene. Julien DeJear, a student dancer, brought both wonderful jumps and a mischievous stage presence to his role as Clara’s little brother, Fritz. It is a pleasure to see students from OKC Ballet’s Yvonne Chouteau School dance with such joy as they grow and develop in all of their “Nutcracker” roles.

The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier were danced by DaYoung Jung and Alvin Tovstogray. Their artistic maturity and powerful technique provided a gracious counterpoint in both their solos at the beginning of the second act and in the Grand Pas de Deux at the end of the ballet.

From the first glow of the opening scene to the final curtain call, “The Nutcracker” should not be missed. It is perfect for those less familiar with ballet, as well as for dancelovers ready to revisit a ballet that has become an important part of the American holiday tradition.