Topic: College of Fine Arts
November 23, 2010
~~~The Nutcracker~~~ will hit the University Theatre stage just in time for the holiday season, beginning Dec. 8 with additional performances scheduled Dec. 9-12.
"The Nutcracker" is coming to Ball State in a way never before witnessed by audiences. Ball State students will perform the battle between the Mouse King and the Nutcracker Prince but with a unique offering of jazz, modern dance, tap, ethnic dance and musical theater, along with a small portion of the traditional ballet.
The alternative Christmas classic hits Ball State University Theatre stage just in time for the holiday season, beginning Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Additional performances are scheduled Dec. 9-12 at 7:30 p.m. and with a matinee Dec. 12 at 2:30 p.m.
"Audiences will see the traditional story unfold as expected, but with our version of mixed dance styles, they will see fresh new choreography," said Audra Sokol, artistic director of "The Nutcracker." "Approaching 'The Nutcracker' in this manner has allowed the choreographers to explore choreography unique to the traditional classical music."
The choreography isn't the only unique aspect students will bring to their performance. Dance majors will bring the toys alive and tell the story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince using props and set pieces. The use of props will be a departure from the department's traditional dance performances.
Sokol says the best part of working on "The Nutcracker" has been the collaboration of the choreographers. "I hope the audience can see how the collaboration among the choreographers really worked, allowing us to accomplish a single goal by being open to new ideas and putting our minds together. We are all so different in terms of style and technique, but we managed to gain a fabulous new version of 'The Nutcracker.'"
By Samantha Irons