Rachel Long, Colorado Conservatory of Dance. In a time when many treasured traditions are threatened, many performing arts companies have been forced to cancel their holiday productions entirely, leaving families wondering how they can even begin to capture the magic of the season amid such challenging conditions. In response and in defiance of everything that says “no,” Colorado Conservatory of Dance (CCD) has reimagined The Nutcracker and is bringing it to the screen as The Nutcracker Sweet! Viewers will be able to cuddle up with their loved ones around the television or other device as CCD streams a new version of the timeless classic--complete with smaller, socially-distanced cast and interactive moments for you to share delicious treats with characters from the ballet. The Nutcracker Sweet – a one-hour version of our family favorite with all the best, most critical selections. Every performance features world-class guest artists, interactive activities, and fun for the whole family.

One of the most unique aspects of The Nutcracker Sweet will be audience members’ ability to buy specially-themed baskets of holiday treats along with their ticket/link purchase, then join in with cast members from the ballet during the streaming event to enjoy their goodies simultaneously with their favorite characters in real time. This approach, according to Artistic Director Julia Wilkinson Manley, “allows our audience members, wherever they happen to be, to feel like they’re part of the action, and while we know it’s not an equal substitute for a live, in-person performance, we feel like it’s a great way to build a virtual community around this timeless family classic.” 

Joined virtually by renowned professional guest artists John Lam and Nina Matiashvili of Boston Ballet and Chase O’Connell and Beckanne Sisk of Ballet West, the streaming performance is an intimate journey through the fantastical world of The Nutcracker as seen through the eyes of young Clara. Patrons can take advantage of five live streaming performances: 

Friday, December 11 at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 12 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 13 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Since March 2020, CCD has been an industry leader in developing innovative, inclusive programming during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was among the first dance schools in the US to pivot to an entirely online delivery platform for all classes and rehearsals (which currently operates as a hybrid program, offering limited in-person classes as well as online or on demand courses). In the performance arena, CCD brought a Zoom-based spring Gala recital performance to the public, featuring over 100 young dancers captured on video and performing their pieces simultaneously, and streaming versions of both its Summer Moving Project and Compass Coaching Project to audiences around the world. The Nutcracker Sweet promises to be a memorable, fascinating experience with something for the whole family to enjoy—exactly when we all need a little holiday spirit the most. 

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: The Nutcracker Sweet, a world premiere streaming reenvisioning of the classic ballet 

WHO: Colorado Conservatory of Dance

WHEN: Friday, December 11 at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, December 12 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 13 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

WHERE:Streaming to any device

TICKETS: $34.95, performance link will be emailed to patrons prior to the performance

To order tickets please visit www.nutcracker2020.com or call 303.466.5685.

(Originally published in the October 29, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)