The holiday season is synonymous with wonder, magic and beauty. This may be a prime reason why the classic tale of “The Nutcracker” captures audiences year after year. Add to this time-honored story ballet dancers that embody talent and grace, and a stage that aims to delight viewers of all ages, and you will have a Nutcracker that will take your breath away.
See the Nutcracker presented by the Indiana Ballet Conservatory (IBC) Dec. 10 through the 13 at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Tobias Theatre, 4000 Michigan Road. Tickets are $20 – $30.
The IBC’s rendition of the Nutcracker will once again feature Lasha Khozashvili, principal dancer of the Boston Ballet.
“I remember the first time I was invited here. I loved the situation. People are so nice and I feel very comfortable,” said Khozashvili, who will play the role of the valiant Prince for the 5th time. “This year I had to turn down other roles because I wanted to come back and dance with IBC.”
Dancing alongside Khozashvili, is Alexandra Manuel, an African-American ballerina who plays the lead role of Masha in the production. This is Manuel’s second year as Masha.
“Going over it many times helps me get into the music. I really feel it and can get into my character,” said Manuel. “I’m dancing on stage by myself a lot so that can be nerve-racking, but it’s cool too.”
IBC’s rendition of the Nutcracker is based on the 1892 Russian version of the story. Tchaikovsky’s classic score for this Christmas story opens with a fanciful tune that sets the mood as guests begin arriving at the Stahlbaum’s Christmas Eve party. Masha, little brother Fritz, and mother and father Stahlbaum celebrate the holiday with friends and family, when their beloved godfather Uncle Drosselmeyer, arrives with his magical gifts, one of which is a Nutcracker doll.
After an evening of fun, Masha hears the sound of mice scurrying in her bedroom. She wakes up and tries to run away, but the mice stop her. The Christmas tree suddenly begins to grow to an enormous size, filling the room and the Nutcracker doll comes to life. He rises to defend Masha against the Mouse King and his mice troops. The Nutcracker defeats him and is then transformed into a handsome Nutcracker Prince.
Masha and her Nutcracker Prince travel to the Snow Forrest where folk figures welcome them and escort them to the Land of Peace and Harmony.
“It’s an American tradition. I love this story and I’m honored to tell it this way,” said Alyona Yakovleva, founding artistic director of IBC.
She added that the Nutcracker is one of IBC’s largest shows. She and her staff work incredibly hard to bring a beautiful and flawlessly executed production to audiences that span numerous ages and backgrounds.
Diversity is something that’s important to Yakovleva and her cadre. Wilmara Manuel, interim executive director of IBC said one of the ways in which IBC fulfills that goal is by inviting various groups to come see IBC dance. They also go out into the community and share their joy of dance through philanthropic efforts.
Yakovleva hopes audiences enjoy this year’s Nutcracker and is grateful for all the support IBC has received from the community.
“It makes me happy knowing people believe in us,” said Yakovleva. “This gives us the opportunity to share our love of ballet with the world.”
For more information, visit Indianaballetconservatory.org.
