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For many, the Christmas season is not complete without seeing a production of “The Nutcracker,” the grace, athleticism and heart of the performers shine forth on stage after months and even years of training. The familiar musical score delivers the classics that embody the iconic adventures of Clara and her nutcracker. Perhaps the audience hums along, toes tapping as the dancers flitter across the stage. Dec. 6-8, Fayetteville audiences can enjoy The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville’s rendition of “The Nutcracker” at Methodist University.Based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s 1816 fairytale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” the ballet was not always as popular as it is today. When the production premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, in December,1892, it was considered a flop even though the score was written by the famous composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, and the renowned Marius Petipa choreographed the show. It seemed the only person who was impressed by it was Czar Alexander III. Petipa and Tchaikovsky had worked together previously on “Sleeping Beauty” with great success.
“The Nutcracker” ballet takes place on Christmas Eve at a party at the Stahlbaum House — a large and beautiful estate. Herr Drosselmeyer gives young Clara a nutcracker. As Clara drifts off to sleep at the end of the evening, the nutcracker comes to life and the two wage a battle against the evil mouse king. They visit the Land of Sweets, ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy and enjoy chocolate from Spain, coffee from Arabia, tea from China and candy canes from Russia as the fairy’s subjects dance for Clara and the nutcracker prince.
Traditionally one of the things that makes this production unique its all-inclusive nature. “There is a part for everybody,” said TDTF Artistic Director Leslie Dumas. “I try to match the part to the kids that is going to match their ability and make them look good. I don’t have a part they have to fit into. We change the choreography to accommodate the ability of the dancers. The only qualifier to participate is that you have to be enrolled in a dance class somewhere.”
Previous years have included dancers who are also gymnasts. TDTF leverages the dancers’ gymnastics skills to include flips and other feats in the production.
Also unique to TDTF, the organization pays for all the costumes. This is a significant effort. Expensive costume fees are a common deterrent to dancers participating in recitals. “When Ann Clark started this about 40 years ago, it was common for women to sew,” said Dumas. “And many of the parents made the costumes. We’ve slowly transitioned into buying them.”
Advance tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets at the door are $15 for adults and $5 for children. Showtimes are Friday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. For more information, or to learn about group rates, call Leslie at 910-850-6363 or visit www.thedancetheatreoffayetteville.org.