The Nutcracker Diaries: Clara and First Love

Clara (Damara Cedillo) and Herr Drosselmeyer (Paul Fiorino) in Ballet Ariel's "The Nutcracker"

 Who among us has not experienced hearing "The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" over the loudspeakers at every mall, Starbucks, and Walmart sinceThanksgiving? This piece was made famous by the beloved ballet "The Nutcracker," the story of a young Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. Have you ever wondered how this particular story became the most coveted Christmas tradition for so many ballet companies and schools around the world? What makes this particular story so special, and to be the one ballet produced every single year?

"The Nutcracker," based on the E.T.A. Hoffman tale "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," was choreographed for the Russian ballet company Mariinsky Ballet in 1892 by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov and has become one of the most beloved ballets in history. We first meet our heroine Clara at the center of her family's Christmas party. Damara Cedillo, who dances the role of Clara with Ballet Ariel this year, reminisced with us a bit about her history with this influential ballet: "Some of my fondest memories include being backstage with my mother for every performance of Joffrey’s Nutcracker, and being escorted around by many different prima ballerinas while my mother was playing in the orchestra pit… My first opportunity to dance the role of Clara was given to me just last year and I was terribly excited. The flood of emotions I experienced (I was a very romantic child) while watching the role came straight back while getting to dance the part myself."

Damara Cedillo as Clara in the Land of the Snow

 At the heart of this tale is not only the famous Nutcracker doll, but a young girl Clara who is growing up. Her beloved Nutcracker, after his battle with the evil Mouse King, sheds his soldier-like garb and transforms into a handsome Prince (Peter Strand and Kevin Burke alternate in this role). Among the dancing dolls, snowflakes, sweets, and amazing score by Tchaikovsky, we experience first love through Clara's eyes. Young as well older audience members will be dazzled by the colors, costumes, and the pure beauty of dance as Clara and her Prince travel through the Land of Snow and arrive in the Kingdom of the Sweets. In addition, the adults in our audience will remember the sweetness and innocence of what it feels like to fall in love for the first time.

The Ballet Ariel company and school open with this charming rendition of "The Nutcracker" in two days (Dec. 3rd, 2011). They perform for three weekends (first weekend at Rock Canyon High Theatre and second two weekends at Cleo Parker Robinson Theatre) so there are plenty of chances to experience this wonderful story through dance. More details below-- don't wait to purchase tickets and arrive to a sold out show!

Show info:

*Saturday, December 3rd at 7:30 pm, Rock Canyon High Theatre 
Address: 5810 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch, CO

*December 10th-11th & 17th-18th, all shows at 3 pm, Cleo Parker Robinson Theatre
Address: 119 Park Ave West; Denver, CO

***For tickets visit http://balletariel.org/

More information below:
Facebook invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/276147555757002/
Company website: balletariel.org (tickets available online here)