Nutcracker Nostalgia
Start a new family tradition with Dance Alive’s spectacular performance of the holiday classic
For over a century, an eloquent ballet has remained synonymous with the Christmas season. Fond childhood memories include dressing up for this festive, time-honored tradition. The audience waits in anticipation for the curtain to rise and magic to unfold. Captivating sets spark wonder while Tchaikovsky’s enchanting melodies fill the room. Talented dancers in exquisite costumes bring the colorful story of a child’s imagination to life.
Gainesville Roots
Dance Alive National Ballet performs The Nutcracker at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for Performing Arts each December. Founded in Gainesville in 1966 by the Pofahl family, it has become the premier touring company in the Southeastern United States. DANB was selected to be on the State of Florida Touring Roster for 40 years consecutively, the only dance company in the state to attain that distinction.
Ocala native Rosemary Deiorio grew up training at Pofahl Studios before attending three years of training at the renown Harid Conservatory in
Boca Raton.
Today, she teaches dance and is a principal dancer for Dance Alive National Ballet. One of her favorite things about The Nutcracker is the chance to perform onstage with her students.
“I most enjoy the togetherness of this ballet on stage.” Deiorio said, “I love seeing the spirit of family.”
Executive Director Susan Scannella feels attending a performance of the quintessential classic is the perfect way to kick off the holidays.
“This time of year is about making memories with family – and this show is a family favorite,” Scannella said. “There are people of all ages both in the audience and in the performance. There is truly something for everyone.”
Nutcracker 101
The story is an adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 The Nutcracker and The Mouse King and the most frequently performed of all ballets. For many children, it is their first introduction to classical music.
For those new to The Nutcracker, an explanation of the story and characters can be helpful to review before the show.
The ballet begins with an elegant Christmas party at the Stahlbaum’s home. Their children, Clara and Fritz, are given toys by their Uncle Drosselmeyer. Clara’s gift is a Nutcracker doll, and she dreams that he comes to life. A mischievous Mouse King declares war on the Nutcracker and his soldiers. Clara saves the Nutcracker prince, and he thanks her by taking her on a mystical adventure. In the Kingdom of Sweets, the graceful Sugar Plum Fairy captivates audiences with her iconic dance. The story ends when Clara awakens with the Nutcracker doll in her arms.
The Nutcracker in Gainesville
Dance Alive National Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for Performing Arts
Friday, December 15th at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 16th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 17th at 2:00 p.m.
Dance Class with Clara
Aspiring young dancers can join Dance Alive’s Nutcracker heroine onstage for a one-of-a-kind prince or princess-style ballet class in the Kingdom of Sweets.
December 16th & 17th at 4:00 p.m.
Please use this photo credit with photos: All photos by Johnston Photography
