12/15/2024
How much would you pay for a magical White Christmas that you did not have to shovel away the next day? (Spoiler alert! If you sit in the right seats, you can even get snowed ON!) If you haven't ever made it to the Louisville Ballet 's grand version of the Nutcracker, now is your chance! From the bravura dancing of the principals and soloists, to the refined near perfect dancing by the Corps de Ballet, (SNOW and FLOWERS you rocked it!) and smaller ensembles, all supported by frightening rats, floating angels, frolicking jockeys, and fearless soldiers, this year's version is more than delightful!
For audience members like me, who have performed in the Nutcracker scores of times and then returned repeatedly for my annual dose of Tchaikovsky, (I can hum nearly the entire score) we often look for nits to pick, with arms folded and eyes focused on legs, feet, shape and lines. For me at least, the furrowed brow of the critic quickly dissolved into the misty eyed wonder (complete with lump in my throat) of my Inner Child.
I was thrilled to witness Sara Bradley bring her sweet, finely honed Sugar Plum Fairy to the fore. She was gallantly partnered by Khalil Jackson. These two are among the many rising stars in the company. Aleksandr Schroeder brought an athletic brilliance and finely honed technique to his role as the Nutcracker Prince, coming to life just in time to flip the adolescent nightmare of Marie, danced with sweet innocence by Caitlin Kowalski, into a magical candy infused journey around the globe.
As noted earlier, the Corps de Ballet and ensembles were nothing short of wonderful. The "Snow Corps," who send Marie on her magical journey and set the stage for Act Two, performed with icy precision, singularly and together, to create a foaming, swirling, leaping, "Ballet Blizzard." (C'mon DQ, jump in as a sponsor!) Nearly all the same ensemble, led by the always polished Brienne Wiltsie, returned later with the same elegance, charm and brilliance in the Walz of the Flowers.
A special shout out to the "French Pastilles, " an oft overlooked quartet, set in the middle of the second act. Ellie Prince, Natalie Schreiner, Marissa Soluri, and MacKenzie Wandell...not even a spit curl out of place. Arms, legs, feet, heads, eyes, all making moving art, all together, all in line, all dancing with beautiful musicality and performance quality.
I should not end without a special mention of Herr Drosselmeyer, portrayed to perfection by Phillip Velinov, the company's Resident Character Artist. Retired from full time active dancing, (Although I did witness him rip off seven perfect pirouettes backstage, IN THE DARK, last spring!) Phillip brings nuance and subtelty to his performance, all the while "pulling the strings," directing the magic, and drawing us in to Marie's sunconscious fantasy. Together, Louisville Ballet Administration, Production Staff, Crew, Artistic Leaders, and especially its Dance Artists, make the Nutcracker a singularly special seasonal gift to Kentucky.
Thank you Louisville Ballet. We are in your debt.
