Event
The Nutcracker
A performance tradition, Tchiakovskys classic Nutcracker has become synonymous with the holiday season, a rite of passage for dancers of all ages and has provided a launching point for generations of professional dancers. Blue Heron Dance joins ballet companies from around the world in performing the worlds most well-known Ballet.
Celebrating ten years of Nutcracker performances, Blue Heron Dance, under the artistic direction of Christine Juarez, will stage the beloved Ballet this December at VHS Theater. Dancing to Tchiakovskys familiar musical score, a cast of ballerinas will swirl, spin and leap-those who will finally dance the roles they have aspired to and youngest of dancers who will experience the magic of their very first Nutcracker performance.
In honor of the company's 10th Nutcracker anniversary, Juarez has re-choreographed the entire work. I wanted to change all the sets, but being sensitive to the current conditions, I decided to change sequencing and choreography instead, she says. When the company first performed the Nutcracker a decade ago, it began as staging a few excerpts. As our student body began to grow, I added more scenes. Now we perform the entire Ballet.
Based on the story "The Nutcracker and the King of Mice" written by E.T.A. Hoffman, what we see on stage today is different from the original story. But the basic plot remains the same; The enchanting story of a young girl, Clara (played by Sally Walker) who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince (special guest dancer), a fierce battle against the Mouse Queen (Katherine Misel), adventures in the Land of Snow (Snow Queen danced by Camille Kappelman) and a journey into the Land of Sweets. Clara discovers a magical land of luscious beauty including Trudy Soriano as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Claire Engelhard as the Arabian Princess and Madeline Morser as the Waltz Queen in the breathtaking Waltz of the Flowers.
New this season, Dari Haffie, Blue Heron Dance modern instructor, will choreograph modern 3-4 dancers in the Chinese Dance. Ballet 5/6 students demonstrate their strength and energy dancing the Russian Dance and a trio of elegant Spanish dancers strut their best. The dancing doll in the first act will be danced by Haley Mosteller and Harlequin Dolls are Tess Mueller and Hannah Van Deusen. Rayanna Weller will be the Dancing Buddha. Julian Lightle will dance as the Nutcracker Prince and Arabian Prince, Brent Kehoe will be Snow King and Cavalier to the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Also new, Juarez will stage an abbreviated Friday afternoon version of Nutcracker for young children (ages 3 to 6). "The children will get exposure to ballet while hearing the story. They will also learn about theatre etiquette and meet the dancers," she explains. In addition, Juarez invites seniors from the community to attend a special showing Saturday, 1 pm. "My goal is to make Nutcracker accessible to all ages," she says.
Adults featured in the performance include Colin Pottinger as Fritz, David Reed as the Grandfather and Rob Misel as Drosselmeyer the magician. This year he plans to hypnotize all the children in the Party Scene. Kate Guinee will commandeer the costumes with her usual sharp artistic eye. Stan Voynick will produce and design lighting for the show. Dance instructor Jill Adomaitis is the rehearsal mistress. Jill has a keen eye for revisions and polishing movement, says Juarez.
Dance parents and Island arts advocates, Allison and Dan Bockus will transform the lobby for front of house. Allison also organized workshops in weeks preceding Nutcracker for Blue Heron dancers to create unique holiday gifts such as decorative frames, ornaments, Nutcracker boxes, mixed media jewelry and more. Presented with artistic flair and priced right with gift giving in mind, there is sure to be something perfect for everyone on your list. Family/dancer photos available by Mike Urban Photography both Saturday and Sunday.
Peppermint hot chocolate and fresh brewed, Island roasted coffee provided by Vashon Island Roasterie, along with homemade cakes and cookies, baked by many dancers and their families.
"As always I would like to express my deepest gratitude for all the volunteer assistance offered by parents and friends of Blue Heron Dance; we couldn't do it without your support," adds Juarez. The company plans to stage Aaron Copland's Rodeo in the spring.
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LocationBlue Heron Art Center
19704 Vashon Hwy SW
Vashon, WA 98070
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: No |
| Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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