South Florida's Search for 'The Nutcracker'
Let visions of sugarplums dance in your head
“The Nutcracker” is synonymous with the holiday season, Christmas in particular, and is most recognizable as performed by ballet companies since the 1940s. However, its origin dates back much further – to the 1800s, to be exact.
The story depicted on stage as a two-act fairy-tale ballet is based on the 1816 story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by Prussian author E.T.A. Hoffmann. In Hoffmann’s tale, young Marie Stahlbaum sees her Christmas nutcracker toy come to life who, after defeating the Mouse King, takes her to a magical kingdom populated by dolls. It wasn’t until 1892, after Alexandre Dumas adapted the story and composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky set it to music, that the magical ballet production came to life on stage in Moscow.
Bringing the historic and classic Christmas story to life this year are several ballet companies throughout Miami-Dade County, with on-demand streaming performances also available.
Armour Dance Theatre
Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.
Miami-Dade County Auditorium
2901 W Flagler St., Miami
Tickets $20-$40
Armour Dance Theatre, “Miami’s Community Dance Conservatory,” is presenting the classical holiday ballet with a cast featuring all 140 students from all five of its conservatory sites. This particular production is sensory-friendly to ensure an inclusive experience for all audience members. The theater will be adapted to accommodate the needs of all people with all abilities.
Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida
Dec. 10 & 11 at 7 p.m., Dec. 12 at 3 p.m.
Aventura Arts & Cultural Center
3385 NE 188 St., Aventura
Tickets $25-$40
Founded 24 years ago by ballet master Vladimir Issaev, Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida features more than 20 dancers, several taking on the principal roles during its “Nutcracker” production. The cast also includes local character artists and children. Featuring engaging choreography by Issaev, the magical production is a wonderful introduction for children to this classical holiday ballet.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Dec. 11 at 3:30 & 8 p.m.
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
Tickets $29-$79
You’ll recognize the music and also the characters of this classic story as they dance across the stage, but “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” is a definite reimagining. And serving as MC is one of hip-hop’s founding fathers, Kurtis Blow. He sets the tone for the contemporary dance presentation directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber. Digital graffiti and other visuals add to the show’s New York City setting, where a cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a violinist and DJ tell the story of Maria Clara and her prince. The family-friendly performance is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Miami City Ballet
Dec. 16 & 17 at 7 p.m., Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m., Dec. 21 at 7 p.m., Dec. 22 & 23 at 2p.m. & 7 p.m., Dec. 24 at noon and Dec. 26 at 1 p.m.
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
Tickets $34-$109
Miami City Ballet presents its annual “George Balanchine’s Nutcracker.” Balanchine, considered the father of American ballet, choreographed the famed holiday ballet and MCB pays homage every year. Last year, at the height of the pandemic, MCB performed the classic on an outdoor stage in Doral, but now it's back in its usual home. This production features more than 100 dancers and a live orchestra. Cuban American designers Ruben and Isabel Toledo created the elaborate costumes worn by the dancers.
Miami Youth Ballet
Dec. 4 at 8 p.m., Dec. 5 at 3 p.m.
South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center
10950 SW 211 St., Cutler Bay
Tickets $26-$41
Led by artistic directors Marielena Mencia and Yanis Pikieris – husband-and-wife former principal dancers with Miami City Ballet – students from Miami Youth Ballet perform this “Nutcracker” alongside guest artists from Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami.
Virtual Presentations
· Pacific Northwest Ballet – Streaming Dec. 20-28
· Charlottesville Ballet – Streaming through Jan. 2, 2022
CharlottesvilleBallet.org/nutcracker
· Moscow Ballet – Streaming Dec. 1 – Jan. 3, 2022