The Providence Journal
Best Bets
12/14/2006

by: Karen Adams

What: Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Where: Providence Performing Arts Center, Friday through Sunday

Why: Tree lighting events, jingle bells, sleigh rides, snowmen and The Nutcracker are, to me, forever linked with the words “Christmas” and “holiday season.” This ballet is steeped in tradition for Festival Ballet Providence, but every year artistic director Misha Djuric puts a spin on the classic. This year, I’m told, there are new dancers and some of the scenes have been re-choreographed. A young Russian male dancer who is 6 foot 3 is featured as an Arabian dancer, and when he performs the torch lift, the ballerina is twirled at a great height. When I was at rehearsal, the stage was filled with young ones (some very young ones) — the two casts have just under 100 children in various roles — so you can count on lots of proud parents in the audience. The costumes have undergone some changes, and the headpieces glitter with Swarovski stones. There will be a live orchestra and a promise of very physical dancing. Yet for me, the real charm is the story of Clara and the Nutcracker that comes to life to protect her.