Everybody Can DANCE and the Santa Maria Civic Ballet will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its Nutcracker production with performances at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26, and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27, at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks in Arroyo Grande.
The performance will include international dances, music by Tchaikovsky, and the magical dreams of a girl coming of age. The fast-paced choreography by Artistic Director Diane Zink keeps the traditional flavor while adding her signature: elaborate geometric formations that pack the stage with performers, action in all corners, and a touch of humor.
There is complexity throughout, and Act I ends in an intricate, 24 member “snowstorm.” In Act II, the Waltz of the Flowers builds to the classic Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, performed alternately by Assistant Director Stephanie Deck and Juliet Peck. Both completed Level 9, the highest level in the Vaganova Method training.
Josh Nohrer, 13, will perform as the Nutcracker Prince. He placed second in the Men’s Division of the Santa Barbara Ballet Competition in April. Cameron Durnin, 12, and Nicole Foster, 13, will alternate in the role of Clara, the girl who receives the Nutcracker as a Christmas gift.
Tickets are $10 for children and $17 for adults at the door. For more information, call 489-9444 or visit clarkcenter.org.
Arts Briefs is compiled by Arts Editor Shelly Cone. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
This article appears in Nov 10-17, 2011.