By Dina Guzzardo
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December 18, 2019
There are many words or phrases that your mind immediately associates with Christmas time and without a doubt ‘The Nutcracker’ is one. Now I am not talking about that little contraption you use to make your candied walnuts; I am talking about the classic and enchanting ballet. That’s right, a ballet. I know what some of you may be thinking – ‘A ballet?! Isn’t there just a film I could watch?” But let me assure you, there is NOTHING more captivating at Christmas time than watching the graceful and mesmerizing movements of the Atlantic City Ballet. Based on the story by Hoffman and with music by Tchaicovsky, this production is now the Atlantic City Ballet’s most famous performance. ‘The Nutcracker’ tells the story of a young girl, Clara, who is given a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas eve. She is whisked away into a world of dancing gingerbread men, the Kingdom of Snow and of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Land of Sweets. Clara meets an assortment of dazzling characters, including the notorious Mouse King, along her journey with the Nutcracker Prince. This is a production that truly embodies the holiday spirit and is a total crowd pleaser and suitable for all ages. The Atlantic City Ballet was founded in 1982 by the critically acclaimed International Ballerina, Phyllis Papa. They perform a variety of shows such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the incredibly popular, Carmen, at different venues along the east coast. As one of its longest running shows, this will be the 37th year that the Atlantic City Ballet performs The Nutcracker with each year bringing a fresh feeling production with the same traditional storytelling that it has become famous for. This year the role of Clara will be shared by Sadie Heyman and Olivia Kenny, Fritz will be played by River Jones and the Prince will be played by Tristan DiGiacomo. The show was a monumental hit last year and this year is set to be no different so make sure you book your tickets soon before it sells out. Local Atlantic City resident, Brooke, said of last year’s show ‘I grew up watching the ballet as I was a dancer from a young age. I take my family to see The Nutcracker every year because it really is one of the most sensational shows at Christmas time and everyone from my young children to my husband, that’s right my husband, has an amazing time. I really cannot wait for this year’s performance!’ We spoke to Brooke’s husband, Daniel, too – ‘I never really thought I would be a fan of The Nutcracker because honestly ballet is never something that has ever appealed to me. Honestly, I was really surprised. It’s just a really impressive show to watch and my kids absolutely love it.’ Some of you may already be fans of the ballet and rest assured, the Atlantic City Ballet’s rendition of The Nutcracker is as moving as it is thrilling. However, if the ballet is not something you would typically watch, if you try just one new thing at Christmas then let it be this. Sure, there have been film adaptations on it with some versions adding their own unique twist, but none of them really compare to the immersive experience of going to see it live. Ballet dancers are renowned for the dedication and hard work they put into their work and from the rehearsal schedule on their website, this production is no different. The Nutcracker is now one of the most famous ballets in the world and once you watch it, it is not hard to understand why. When you fully engage in the performance the feeling is like no other and I guarantee you will leave the show with a new sense of wonderment and be absorbed by the magic. The AC Ballet will start off their performances at Stockton College (101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway) on December 13th and 14th with show times at 7pm (13th) and 10:30am and 3pm (14th). The next show after that is at Caeser’s Atlantic City Hotel and Casino (2100 Pacific Avenue, Atlantic