Congratulations to all ADC and intensive students who performed in last weekend’s Nutcracker shows! The performances were a huge success!
Our Nutcracker just keeps growing each year; from excerpts in the Black Box Theater, to three full shows at Kenmore, it’s becoming a holiday tradition, and one that we love. So without further ado, here are the highlights.
The festivities: Dressed to the nines for a fabulous Christmas party, each attendant was delightfully entertaining. From exuberant party girls to mysterious godfathers, each character added depth to the holiday scene, and all three Claras were perfectly charming. With the addition of several life-like dolls and quite a few excited younger guests, it was definitely an evening to remember.
The Columbine dolls performing in the party scene.
The magic: Between the dancing dolls and the ethereal snow, there was no shortage of magic in this production. The adorable Harlequin and Columbine dolls contrasted beautifully with the charmingly sharp and stoic soldiers. Godfather Drosselmeyer’s Enchantment flitted around the stage while the Christmas tree doubled in size and Clara and the audience watched in awe. The snow scene was sharp and light, just like the real stuff, without being too chilly. And as the first act was winding down and Clara was escorted to the Land of Sweets, glittering white snowflakes fluttered down on to the stage.
Mikaley Bolden, as Clara, performing with the snow in show B.
The dancing: The moment they arrived in the Land of Sweets, the audience was entranced by adorable angels and butterflies, opening the second act and greeting Clara as the Sugar Plum Fairy welcomed her to the kingdom. From the opening notes of the Sugar Plum’s variation through the final waltz, the dancing almost never stopped. We met feisty Spanish dancers, sugary-sweet Marzipan candy, enigmatic Arabian acrobats, charming Chinese, high-energy Russians, loveable little Pollichinelles, and finished the show in a sea of beautiful pink flowers.
Adagio Dance Company members taking a break between shows on Sunday.
The finale: As Clara’s dream ended, the other characters began to say goodbye and exit the stage. The Sugar Plum Fairy gave one last wave before leaping off while the curtain closed, and when the spotlight came back up on Clara, we saw her awake with her precious nutcracker doll once again. Each show had a fabulous audience and all three casts received copious applause, which was of course, very well deserved.
The soloists of show C. Flora Hepp as the Columbine doll, Isabella Swigart as Clara, Katherine Newcomb as the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Valerie Biggs as the mouse queen.
Of course, it doesn’t stop there. Our dancers are all still hard at work in their classes and looking forward to a relaxing winter break before coming back in January for the winter session.
The cast of Show A posing with assistant director Ms. Katherine, and Adagio Ballet Company director Ms. Evelina.
If you haven’t seen them yet, be sure to stop by the front desk and check out Adagio’s Nutcracker 2014 ornaments and t-shirt!
