The Nutcracker Ballet stands as a cherished tradition in American culture, captivating audiences for well over a century with its enchanting tale and mesmerizing choreography. This iconic ballet, set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, has become synonymous with the holiday season. Soon, Next Generation Ballet will perform this timeless classic at The Straz Center. The performance will feature award-winning young dancers alongside guest principal dancers from powerhouse companies across the nation.
What is The Nutcracker Ballet?
The Nutcracker Ballet tells the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. As the clock strikes midnight, Clara is whisked away to a fantastical world where toys come to life, battles are fought, and a Sugar Plum Fairy reigns over a kingdom of sweets. The narrative unfolds through exquisite choreography and emotive music.
And the dancers with Next Generation Ballet company are excited to take a crack at performing in this classic tale.
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“It’s a long process and obviously you start by getting familiar with the choreography, with the music,” says Next Generation Ballet dancer Alex Reichl. “And then it’s about repetition and developing a character and transforming it on stage with you own artistic choices.”
Alex, and his twin brother Nicolas, are from Germany. They have been practicing ballet since they were four-years-old. They play many many roles in this epic fairytale.
The Nutcracker in American Imaginations
As a quintessential part of the holiday season, The Nutcracker Ballet holds a special significance in American hearts. The ballet’s rich history, which dates back to its premiere in Russia in 1892, has evolved into a cherished annual tradition in the United States. Generations of families have made attending a performance of The Nutcracker a festive rite. Something that is quite specific to the United States.
“Coming from Germany, it was definitely a new level here in America. It’s crazy, like almost every ballet produces a Nutcracker. It’s definitely something you won’t see in Europe or Germany,” says Nicolas.
The Nutcracker is so popular that this is not Alex and Nicolas’ first time performing it. They have danced the role of the Cavalier in Munich, and in this performance they dance many parts including the Spanish lead dancer, Russian lead dancer, and the Snow King.
The enduring success of The Nutcracker Ballet highlights its ability to resonate with diverse audiences. Countless ballet companies, both amateur and professional, stage their own interpretations of this classic, ensuring its accessibility to communities across the nation.
“It’s been magical,” Alex sums up.
What is Next Generation Ballet?
Next Generation Ballet (NGB) is a stepping stone for great dance talent and the offical ballet company of the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Under the direction of Philip Neal, former New York City Ballet Principal dancer, NGB prepares dancers for professional employment through instruction, coaching and performance opportunities.
Alex and Nicolas have both performed with many ballet companies around the world, including NGB. They love how dancing takes them to so many different places and allows them to meet so many interesting people.
“It’s great. I mean every moment I am in the studio, I just love it. There was never a time I wanted to stop dancing,” Alex says. They will be in the program until May 2024 where the company will finish with a production of Giselle.
The company is committed to the artistic, personal and professional development of outstanding young dancers. Performers in NGB have been awarded scholarships to leading ballet schools worldwide including the Royal Ballet School of England and the School of American Ballet.
The technique taught at NGB imparts an American speed and lightness in the lower limbs while maintaining a classical port de bras in preparation for today’s dance marketplace. Curriculum includes ballet technique, pointe, pas de deux, men’s class, contemporary, jazz, tap, weight training, drama and music.
