A DCist guide to The Nutcracker
For dance lovers looking to get into the holiday spirit, The Nutcracker is a must at this time of year. Thankfully, the Washington D.C. area has numerous performances of the beloved ballet from which to choose. While there’s over a dozen performances ranging in size from huge ballet troupes to small dance studios, here's a few that stand out among the rest.
American Ballet Theater: Few companies can compete with the size and talents of American Ballet Theatre, so if you only see one Nutcracker this season, make this one your choice. Attending The Kennedy Center is a treat in itself, making the experience extra festive. The performances run from Dec. 18-23 in the Opera House, and the Opera House Orchestra will accompany all performances.
The Washington Ballet: These performances are already underway and will continue through December 23 at The Warner Theater. This is Septime Webre's vintage patriotic version of the classic story, where the setting is an A-list party on the Potomac in historic Washington. George Washington takes over the role of the heroic Nutcracker and King George is the evil Rat King. This year, the company will be spreading the holiday spirit by broadcasting the Dec. 7 performance on television to U.S. troops serving overseas. Isabelle Johnston, 7 year-old daughter of Marine Frank Johnston, will be performing for the first time this year as a Mouse, and her father will be able to catch the show on the Pentagon channel.
Jazz Hip-Hop Nutcracker: Momentum Dance Theatre shakes up the old classic with an urban twist, mixing Duke Ellington’s music with rap, hip-hop and rock. According to the Web site, dancers will use styles such as tap and breakdancing to tell the story. If you’ve seen The Nutcracker every year since you were a kid or can’t stomach tutus and men in tights, this version is a great alternative. Momentum Dance Theatre will perform at Stuart Hobson Middle School this weekend. The performance venue will change next weekend as the show continues at Prince George’s Publick Playhouse.
A Nutcracker with puppets: Okay, so its focus isn’t on pirouettes or pointe shoes, but this Nutcracker gets points for originality. Tchaikovsky's musical adaptation is performed by Maryland’s The Puppet Co. with the aid of larger-than-life costume characters and marionettes. Perfect for children, the performances run through December 30. If you’re not sure this Nutcracker is for you, the company offers a one minute preview version of the performance on their Web site.
A view for the kids: The Alexandria Ballet's performance has been an Old Town tradition for the past fourteen years and is now taking place at a new venue, Maryland Youth Ballet will perform its award-winning version of The Nutcracker at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center. Performances begin on December 21 and continue through December 29. The group recently won a Metro DC Dance Award for “Outstanding Production in Classical Dance,” so the performance is sure to be captivating.
Photo credit: Photographer: Steve Vaccariello, Dancer: Zachary Hackstock