Chattanooga Times Free Press - ChattanoogaNow
THREE SPINS ON ‘THE NUTCRACKER’
Two local companies and Moscow Ballet bring Clara’s fantasy dream to the stage
Three companies from Moscow Ballet are simultaneously touring the United States and Canada presenting “The Great Russian Nutcracker” in 140 cities. One of those will stop at the Tivoli Theatre on Christmas Eve.
Moscow Ballet will present “The Great Russian Nutcracker” at noon and at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24. A company of 36 award-winning Russian ballerinas and danseurs combine their talent with local youth dancers chosen by audition to perform as extras.
Every year, more than 6,000 children nationwide get this rare opportunity to dance alongside the Russian professionals in a “Nutcracker” performance through the Dance With Us program.
About 40 local dancers, ages 6 to 18, were selected through auditions last fall at Hamilton Academy of Dance. Students auditioned for Moscow Ballet audition director Yuriy Kuzo. They have been fitted with Moscow Ballet costumes for their roles.
These students will dance in the children’s party, as well as play mice, snowflakes, snow sprites and snow maidens. They will also be seen in the Spanish, Arabian, Chinese, Russian and French variations.
“The Great Russian Nutcracker” will take audiences on a journey with Masha and her Nutcracker Prince through a snow forest. The production features more than 200 dazzling costumes, elegant sets, towering puppets and soaring birds for an unforgettable Christmas Eve treat.
‘MOSCOW BALLET’S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER’
› Where:
› When:
› Admission:
› For more information:
‘NOOGA NUTCRACKER’
› Where: Walker Theatre inside Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave.
› When: 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 › Admission: $21 adults, $19 children and senior adults
› For more information: 423-757-5580
This is a contemporary take on “The Nutcracker” by Chattanooga Dance Theatre that incorporates sights from around the Scenic City into a ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s classic music.
‘THE NUTCRACKER’
› Where: Girls Preparatory School, 205 Island Ave.
› When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22
› Admission: $22 ages 11 and older, $17 ages 10 and younger
› For more information: https://www. tututix.com/client/massariwood/
A Christmas party, a puppet show, lifesize mechanical dolls, a mysterious favorite uncle, hilarious mouse king, dancing snowflakes and handsome nutcracker prince are all part of Clara’s magical dream adventure in “The Nutcracker.”
This will be the 38th “Nutcracker” performance by Civic Ballet of Chattanooga and students from Massari-Wood Dance Center, forming a cast of 120 local dancers.