It seems that for every nook and cranny along the Front Range, there exists a production of “The Nutcracker.”
The ubiquitous, beloved ballet serves audiences in different ways through the holidays, delighting children with its lively mix of music and costumes, and reassuring adults with its traditional flavor.
Set to Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s familiar Romantic strains, the two-act classic has played an integral part in many dance companies’ repertoire since it debuted outside of Russia in 1934.
The Moscow Ballet presents the most skillful, authoritative touring version, traversing the globe each winter with its massive sets and cast. This year it will visit Denver for the first time for two performances at the Paramount Theatre on Dec. 16, part of an impressive 40-state, 70-city American trek.
“We love to perform in America because it’s a great opportunity for the American people, and especially the kids, to learn a little bit about Russian culture,” said artistic director and choreographer Anatoli Emelianov through a translator. “We arrive in each city and see those little kids so excited to dance with the Moscow Ballet. You can tell by the looks on their faces that it will
create memories for the rest of their lives.”
The Moscow Ballet sends five dancers to America each fall to audition children from each city to perform in the production. Fifty-six area youngsters are performing here.
“These kids have have been putting a lot of time and commitment into this, but they’re loving every minute of it,” said Stephanie Prosenjak, director of Cherry Creek Dance, which oversees the Denver contingent. “It builds lifelong skills for them, like not being afraid to get up in front of large audience, and self-confidence and camaraderie.”
In addition to the Moscow Ballet, a suite of other “Nutcracker” productions are slated to descend in the coming weeks:
Colorado Ballet: The state’s most respected company kicked off its “Nutcracker” shows with a slate of new dancers and 46 children in each of its 25 performances, marked by gorgeous sets and technical virtuosity. Through Dec. 24, various times, $27-$143, Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, 303-837-8888 ext. 2, Ticketmaster.com.
Sangre de Cristo Ballet Theatre: Artistic director Karen P. Schaffenburg leads this Pueblo-area company through its vivacious take on “The Nutcracker.” An affordable alternative to the stuffier versions. Today-Sunday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $6-$8, Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Theater in Pueblo. 719-295-7200 or sdc-arts.org.
Aurora Dance Arts: This city’s kid-oriented performance presents budding dancers from Aurora Dance Arts’ year-round program. Today-Saturday, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., $5-$10, Robert Troutman Theatre. 303-326-8308 or auroragov.org.
Ballet Nouveau Colorado: This taut, accomplished production, led by artistic director Robert Mills, features an intimate setting and a special behind-the- scenes program following each show. Saturday-Dec. 17, various times, $24-$28, Legacy Theater in Broomfield. 303-466-5685 or 2006nutcracker.com.
Canyon Concert Ballet: This version offers new costuming and choreography by David Keener, artistic director of this Northern Colorado non-profit institution. Dec. 7-10, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., $16-$22, Lincoln Center in Fort Collins, 970-472-4156 or ccballet.org.
Ballet Ariel: A contemporary take with Ballet Arts Theatre artistic director Paul Noel Fiorino in the role of Cavalier and Katie Brogern as the Sugar Plum Fairy. Fiorino, who ran for governor as the “dancing candidate” and garnered 1 percent of the vote, has performed in, choreographed and directed most of the company’s “Nutcracker” shows. Dec. 10 and Dec. 15-17, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $8-$15, Cleo Parker Robinson Theatre. 303-282-9828 or balletariel.org.
International Ballet School: Guest artists Cristian LaVerde Koenig, Dmitry Kanibolotsky and Andrew Thompson bolster this production featuring 90 children ages 6-18. Dec. 15-16, various times, $20, Gates Concert Hall at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts. 303-871-7720, Ticketmaster.com.
David Taylor Dance Theater: Accessible but impressively staged, David Taylor Dance Theater’s “Nutcracker” provides an energetic and lighthearted take. Their 21st annual run includes 11 performances. Dec. 16-23, various times, $34, Lakewood Cultural Center, 303-987-7845 or dtdt.org.
Staff writer John Wenzel can be reached at 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com.
