The Nutcracker – Courtesy of Amanda Renzulli. Used with permission.
There is a reason Indiana Ballet Conservatory, under visionary Artistic Director Alyona Yakovleva, is rated one of the top pre-professional ballet schools in the United States. That status was formidably reflected in the IBC production of “Nutcracker” The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts Saturday during the evening performance. Joining the IBC, in an effective partnership, was the Carmel Symphony Orchestra. led by conductor Vladimir Kulenovic and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir led by artistic director Joshua Pedde.
The Nutcracker – Courtesy of Amanda Renzulli. Used with permission.
A classical ballet, in three acts, the 1892 “The Nutcracker,” conceived by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. is set on Christmas Eve in front of a Christmas tree in a child’s (Masha) vivid imagination. The plot is an adaptation of Alexander Dumas’ 1844 short story The Nutcracker, itself a retelling of E. T. A. Hoffmann‘s 1816 short story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.
Making the IBC version of “The Nutcracker,” distinctive and unique was its cast which consisted of 115 of its students. IBC students Ashlie Rohan danced the role of Masha/Sugar Plum Fairy, Harlow Rochford danced the role of Masha and IBC alum and Vienna State Opera Ballet soloist Timoor Afshar starred as the Nutcracker Prince.
The IBC students, flawlessly executing Yakovleva’s inspired choreography (based on the original choreography of Vasily Vainonen), ranged from ages three to eighteen years old, charmed and delighted the sold-out audience, filled with enthusiastic and supportive families and friends. The neophyte dancers exhibited the precise, disciplined, world class training they receive under the tutelage of the school’s renowned faculty. Standing out for their impeccable, romantic partnering were Ashfar and Rohan and Rochford for the guileless nature of her sensitive portrayal. The evening’s most notable crowd pleasers were the dancers who played the mouses, angels, Sugar Plum Fairies and the Russian Nougat trio consisting of Caty Annicchiarico, Gus Leinauer and Dalia Di Prizio.
The Nutcracker – Courtesy of Amanda Renzulli. Used with permission.
The ballet’s technical elements, including magical lighting design by Quentin James and lavish costumes overseen by mistress Shelley Cayetano, added to the opulence of the production.
Exemplary for its interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s timeless masterpiece was the CSO, which also added to the production’s sumptuousness and the ICC members who shined as well.
Already a holiday tradition, ICB’s “Nutcracker” stands to become one of the most popular local productions of the classic because of the incorporation of its talented student body and the addition of the CSO that imbues it with an artistic quality that sets it apart from its competitors. Coupled with the fact that it is presented in The Palladium, IBC’s magnificent home, makes it a major cultural attraction that is a singular experience. Most importantly, the production reveals that due to the crucial mission of ICB, the future of ballet is assured.
For more information about Indiana Ballet Conservatory visit Indianaballetconservatory.org
