Miami City Ballet school students in MCB's "George Balanchine's The Nutcracker." (Choreography by George Balanchine. George Balanchine Trust. Photo by Alexander Izilieav)
Miami City Ballet opens George Balanchine’s "The Nutcracker" this weekend at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami.
Miami City Ballet’s "The Nutcracker" uses the choreography of George Balanchine’s rendition of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 story "The Nutcracker and The Mouse King," which Balanchine premiered in 1954 with the New York City Ballet. Balanchine altered his choreography throughout the years, but the story remains the same.
Jennifer Lauren will dance her last Sugar Plum Fairy in Miami City Ballet's "George Balanchine's The Nutcracker" as she retires from the company. (Choreography by George Balanchine. George Balanchine Trust. Photo by Alexander Izilieav)
Miami City Ballet has made its own changes by, in 2017, bringing in the husband and wife design team Isabel and Ruben Toledo to create sets and costumes, using the mood and feelings of South Florida to influence the vibrant colors and stage. The result is as if a festival of colors is dancing on stage.
The late Isabel Toledo first caught the nation’s eye when she designed Michelle Obama’s ensemble for President Obama’s first inauguration in January 2009.
Miami City Ballet prima ballerina Jennifer Lauren will take her final bow with the Miami City Ballet as the Sugarplum Fairy in this year's edition. She has been with MCB since 2007.
Miami City Ballet's "The Nutcracker." (Choreography by George Balanchine. George Balanchine Trust. Photo by Alexander Izilieav)
Also this year, and new to Miami City Ballet, in partnership with Mad Arts and presented by Spirit Airlines, audiences can immerse themselves in the Land of Sweets experience, a magical holiday wonderland that accompanies performances of "George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker."
Located at the Adrienne Arsht Center’s Peacock Foundation Studio, this 8,000-square-foot winter dreamland features interactive projections, festive games, photo opportunities with beloved characters, and the exclusive Sweet Suite Lounge with holiday treats and a DJ. Opening 90-minutes before each performance, the Land of Sweets transforms Marie’s dreamland into a whimsical reality, making it the perfect prelude to the beloved holiday ballet.
Miami City Ballet's "The Nutcracker." (Choreography by George Balanchine. George Balanchine Trust. Photo by Alexander Izilieav)
Arts Ballet Theatre's "The Nutcracker"
Arts Ballet Theatre's "The Nutcracker" performs a Sensory Inclusive "The Nutcracker" at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center in addition to its Gala Celebration at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 and its season performances on Friday, Dec. 13 through Sunday, Dec. 15 at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center and at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 and Saturday, Dec. 21 in Broward County at the The Parker, 707 NE 8th St., Fort Lauderdale.
Arts Ballet Theatre's production of "The Nutcracker" choreographed by Artistic Director Vladimir Issaev.
The abridged (50-minute) sensory-friendly performance at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center celebrates the magic of the season serves as an introduction to classical ballet for all.
Regular performances of Arts Ballet Theatre's "The Nutcracker" is choreographed and directed by renowned Ballet Master Vladimir Issaev.
Miami City Ballet George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
December 13-24, Various Times
Adrienne Arsht Center,1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
Tickets: 305-929-7010Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida's "The Nutcracker"
Dec. 12-22, various times and locations
Aventura Arts and Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St., Aventura.
Tickets at http://www.aventura.center.org/The Parker, 707 NE 8th St., Fort Lauderdale
Tickets at http://www.parkerplayhouse.com/
