A couple of Christmas classics return this weekend, plus get “bazaar” in Brooklyn
Tag Archives: nutcracker
Weekend Edition: November 28-30, 2014
Hey there, Black Friday shoppers! Looking for something to do post-shop? The Nutcracker opens Friday, plus catch Bob Dylan in concert and Death From Above 1979.
Experience True American Ballet with the San Francisco Ballet
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As America’s first and oldest professional ballet company, the San Francisco Ballet is a must-see for anyone looking to truly experience the American style of ballet. It is among the world’s leading dance companies and one of the three largest American ballet companies, and is the company responsible for premiering ballet staples like Swan Lake & Nutcracker to American audiences.
The company presents more than 100 memorable performances annually, from new works by today’s most prominent choreographers to new interpretations of classic full-length productions. Led by world-famous Helgi Tomasson, the company consists of a diverse international repertoire that is always presented with finesse and elegance.
The company is currently based in the beautiful 3,146-seat War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco. With its elegant lines, vaulted ceiling, marble foyer, and sweeping balconies, the opera house complements and completes the breathtaking experience that is the San Francisco Ballet.
A World-Class Experience at the Pennsylvania Ballet
From Philadelphia’s yearly favorite George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker to world premieres of contemporary pieces, The Pennsylvania Ballet is always in the city spotlight. The Pennsylvania Ballet presents fourteen ballets in Philadelphia every year featuring classic favorites, new works, and commissioned pieces that always attract an audience.
If you’re looking for the classic ballet experience, visit the majestic Academy of Music on Broad Street during the holidays to see Nutcracker or in the summer to see Romeo and Juliet. The Ballet also performs at the Merriam Theater, which is getting up-to-snuff on the theater scene after having been taken over by new management.
If you have never attended a ballet, the Pennsylvania Ballet is a world-class experience. The dancers are beautiful, the full orchestra is enchanting, and being in a 153-year old theater (Academy of Music) where thousands of people have seen hundreds of ballets before you is quite the feeling.
Pirouettes & Prima Donnas at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Don’t be fooled by the downhome nickname: 
the Ellie, as Denverites call the home of Opera Colorado and the Colorado Ballet, is a world-class venue through and through. The crown jewel in the Denver Performing Arts Complex spans four levels from orchestra to balcony, ringed by a soaring foyer spangled with modern art (including a spectacular Dale Chihuly chandelier). And while the main attractions occur inside the lyric auditorium—from Tosca and La Bohème to Romeo and Juliet and the annual run of The Nutcracker—pre-theater dining at Kevin Taylor’s downstairs makes for a sumptuous sideshow.
Expand Your Repertoire at The Washington Ballet
For those look
ing to broaden their cultural horizons, schedule an evening full of the arts with a show-stopping performance by the internationally renowned Washington Ballet. TWB, as it’s known, has developed a celebrated reputation for its repertoire of contemporary performances, as well as its interpretations of notable 19th century pieces. TWB has translated classic literary works such as Don Quixote, The Great Gatsby and the legendary Nutcracker into flawlessly choreographed modern ballets that continue to entertain the Washington community.
With performances at The Kennedy Center, The Harman Center for the Arts, and its very own intimate Washington Ballet England Studio Theatre located just off Wisconsin Avenue, TWB always entertains its audience with a myriad of talented performers with roots from around the world, as well as a continuous calendar of exceptional shows.
Insider Tip: Although TWB encourages all to attend performances for the betterment of the performing arts community, don’t forget to follow proper ballet etiquette, especially in Washington. For inexperienced first timers, be sure to wear formal attire for Opening Night performances, and “business casual” for all other shows.
4. Like Broadway at Miami Ballet’s Nutcracker 12/11-12/23/09
The Miami City Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a cultural spectacular to see this holiday season. With a cast of more than 100, awe-inspiring sets and costumes, magical special effects, incredible music, and exquisite dancing by international ballet stars. The Miami City Ballet Company’s reputation has been enhanced with one of their dancers making the cover of Dance Magazine.
The dates are limited to make sure you plan ahead to see this stellar performance- and star dancers- this holiday season.
4. The Boston Ballet’s Beautiful Nutcracker 12/1-12/27/09
Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky’s exquisite music and the stunning choreography of Mikko Nissinen mend together in a holiday celebration for young and old alike. The Boston Ballet, one of the world’s preeminent ballet companies, once again presents the captivating story of the adventures of Clara and her Christmas gift, a unique nutcracker fashioned as a dashing soldier. Magic abounds in their adventures making it the perfect complement to the season.