The Nutcracker

A brand-new version of The Nutcracker comes to life on the Darien Arts Center stage this December. Company members and dance students of Darien Arts Center join together to enchant audiences, along with principal guest artist Alejandro Ulloa of East Coast Contemporary Ballet.

Set to the Tchaikovsky score, this holiday classic has been rewritten, rechoreographed, and re-costumed. DAC Director of Dance Claire Mazza explains that it was important for her to create a Nutcracker that would stand the test of time and be a production that appealed to both seasoned dance audiences and young children alike. “Whether you are a dance-lover and look forward to seeing The Nutcracker every year or it is your first time, there is wonderment for all.” There will even be the opportunity for audience members to meet the principal artists and purchase a pair of their signed pointe shoes following the show.

Additionally, Ms. Mazza notes that in reworking the tale itself she wanted to strengthen the storyline and rid it of many inconsistencies she has experienced in various versions she has danced over the years. “The character of Drosselmeyer is often rather underdeveloped, and the characters of the Land of the Sweets consistently represent countries, sweets, beverages, and objects. In DAC’s Nutcracker each Act II divertissement will represent a country and a flower of that country to be presented to Clara. Why flowers you ask? Well, you will just have to come see it to find out!”, she added.

This new production, a premiere of the Darien Arts Center’s The Nutcracker, is bursting with creativity, magic and the beauty of ballet. It takes place in the DAC Weatherstone Studio at 2 Renshaw Road, behind Town Hall on December 3, 4, 10 and 11 at noon and 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 at darienarts.org. Purchase tickets early, as shows sell out quickly for this popular annual tradition. For questions, call the DAC at (203) 655-8683.

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