‘Yorkville Nutcracker’ rings in its 21st year

Dances Patrelle (dP), a dynamic professional ballet company celebrating its 26th season in New York, will present The Yorkville Nutcracker on December 8-11 at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College. This year marks the 21st anniversary of the production, which is set in 1895.  

The Yorkville Nutcracker features lavish sets and costumes and promises to take the audience on a tour through Olde New York’s most beloved landmarks, including a holiday party at Gracie Mansion, dancing at the Crystal Palace in the New York Botanical Garden, and skating in Central Park.

The full-length ballet production always provides an opportunity for young dancers to dance alongside professional artists. This year, Abi Stafford and Adrian Danchig-Waring of New York City Ballet will perform the Grand Pas de Deux while Maximillien Baud and Therese Wendler will perform the Snow Pas de Deux.

Known for attracting the great talent of each generation, Dances Patrelle counts ballet stars such as Marcelo Gomes, Jenifer Ringer, Donald Williams and Lourdes Lopez among its former dancers. Another former dancer, Cynthia Gregory, reportedly said, “In Francis Patrelle’s ballets, the characters come alive. His choreography is full of heart and soul.”

Performances of The Yorkville Nutcracker are set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 pm; Saturday at 2 pm; and Sunday at 12 pm and 5 pm. Tickets are $45-85, with student and senior discounts also available. Tickets can be booked online or by phone at 212-772-4448. For more information, visit www.dancespatrelle.org.

Following the presentation of this timeless holiday tradition, dP will begin preparing for its spring repertory season, which will feature world premieres and classic Patrelle favorites.

Photo by Rosalie O’Connor.