Waltz into the holidays with American Ballet Theatre's "Nutcracker"
Photo courtesy of American Ballet Theatre
American Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” is one of the most unique productions to hit the stage this season at the Segerstrom Center. ABT’s rendition hews to the story’s cherished traditions. It retains Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s colorful score, moving with dance wafter dance.
Steeped in lush colors, with a gorgeous set design and costumes illuminating the beautiful music by Tchaikovsky and story and choreography by ABT Artist in Residence, Alexei Ratmansky, this is a visual feast.
Richard Hudson’s gorgeous set design features layers upon layers. The first scene features mice running amuck in the kitchen as wait staff prepare for the family Christmas party. After the party, the Christmas tree grows before your very eyes. The sets ground and enhance the whole play.
Hudson’s costume design steals the show along with the set design. The intricacies of the costumes, from the Victorian costumes to the ballerinas’ outfits, and the colors are mesmerizing. The traditional story of the Nutcracker is told, but the interpretation is kid-friendly and a modern-day interpretation involving levity and fun. The first set places heavy emphasis on children dancing around. The second set is more adult ballet focused. The various dancing vignettes are also spectacular, especially the Walt of the Flowers. The suite performed by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier is stunning and equally gorgeous.
Photo courtesy of American Ballet Theatre
Q&A with American Ballet Theatre soloist Zhong-Jing Fang
What was your first ballet you remember attending? What do you remember about it?
La Bayadère was the very first ballet I [performed in] when I joined ABT as an apprentice. I remember it being an extra nerve-racking moment, especially while walking down the ramp in the dark during Act II for the scene known as “Kingdom of The Shades.” After the 8th performance everyone said to me, “you are one of us now.” It felt like I officially joined the company and achieved a major accomplishment.
What do you think is special about this production of the Nutcracker with ABT at Segerstrom?
This is my favorite Nutcracker production, and it is certainly the hardest one as well. Not only is it technically challenging but the amount of acting required is incredibly challenging. The whole company is literally on stage for the entire ballet and you must know the story line inside and out to be able to express what our Artist in Residence Alexei Ratmansky wants. I also love seeing the young ABT JKO students here every year performing this production with us. Seeing their growth makes performing at Segerstrom Center very special.
What would you want audiences to take away after seeing the performance?
It is the most magical holiday season of the year; I want the audience to have an amazing time when they come to see this production with their family and friends. Not only would I like the audience to enjoy the elegant and beautiful dancers but to be taken away to the Sugar Plum Fairy’s fantasy land.
What is your proudest moment in your ballet career?
My proudest moments have been the everyday moments, spending my time in the studio, working hard for the process of preparing for a show, learning from the best dancers, choreographers and coaches to present my best work to the audience. I’m very blessed to have the opportunity of a lifetime to dance with one of the world’s most renowned ballet companies.
Who was your most influential teacher and why?
Kevin McKenzie is one of my most influential teachers. Not only is he the company’s Artistic Director, he is a father figure and mentor for all of us at ABT. You can never stop learning from him. In the studio he has a great eye for detail and gives feedback on every individual dancer’s ability, talent, things to work on and gifts. Artistically, he has helped me understand what it takes to become an artist and not just a technician. He’s given me the freedom to make choices artistically with his guidance and I’ve been so grateful for that.
What would you want to say to people who come to see the American Ballet Theatre?
Being a member of ABT, America’s National Ballet Company®, I’m very proud to see our mission come to life every day. From the dancers, to the crew, musicians, lighting, artistic advisors, and designers, we strive to bring our best work to every production we do. To be able to bring art and culture to the world through ABT has been a treasured gift. Every dancer is unique and comes from different backgrounds, which unites us as ambassadors of dance. We are excited to be back in sunny California, and we welcome you to join us for another season of The Nutcracker at Segerstrom!