Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida hits milestone

Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida - NutcrackerThis holiday season the Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida will once again journey to the Land of the Sweets as they perform an annual audience favorite, The Nutcracker

 

This holiday tradition, which depicts the tale of a young girl on Christmas Eve, is also the 15th anniversary of the company. Beginning with a gala on Sunday, Dec. 9, the company is exceptionally excited to celebrate this year’s performances of The Nutcracker.

 

The popular ballet revolves around Clara and her cherished Christmas present, a nutcracker. When her nutcracker magically comes to life she suddenly finds herself in a magical world where she must battle a Mouse King, travel to the Land of Sweets and taste of delicious international treats.

 

The Nutcracker presents the Sugarplum Fairy and her cavalier, the Nutcracker Prince, the Snow Queen and other wonderful characters that light up the eyes of all ages of audiences during the holiday season.

 

There will be three venues showcasing the acclaimed performances of Artistic Director Vladimir Issaev’s holiday tradition – the stages of the Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater, the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center and The Parker Playhouse of Fort Lauderdale.

 

The company is eager for the opening gala celebration on Dec. 9, which will truly celebrate the company’s 15 years of making holiday magic. For VIP Patrons, this special event will begin at 6 p.m. with tapas and libations, a reception with the international corps of dancers, as well as chances to bid on silent auction items that range from donations from Tiffany’s to weekend getaways at the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando. The hor’devours will be followed by the opening performance of The Nutcracker.

 

The principal roles in The Nutcracker will be commanded by Arts Ballet’s own international treats – Jun Tanabe, Kaori Fukui, Miu Yamauhi and Takayuki Asai from Japan, Breeana Flannery from Australia, Kelvin Rabines from Peru and Hernan Montenegro from Chile. Two principal stateside dancers are DeeDee Rosner from North Carolina and Lillian Hill of Ft. Lauderdale. Additional dancers venture from Cuba, France and Venezuela.

 

Issaev’s engaging Nutcracker choreography preserves the Russian tradition with the music of Tchaikovsky yet serves as an alternative to those who have already seen Balanchine’s version. Every year the production is enhanced, adding special effects like falling snow and a growing Christmas tree that enchant children and adults alike. This makes each year a new experience for returning audiences.

 

Regular tickets for the gala performance on Dec. 9 at the Jackie Gleason Theater at The Fillmore Miami Beach are between $47.50 and $52. 50. VIP tickets cost $82.50 each.

 

Performances at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center are Dec. 14-16 for $35 per ticket. The final performances will be at Parker Playhouse in Ft. Lauderdale Dec. 22 and 23. Tickets range from $15 to $35.

 

For more information on the Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida or their upcoming performances of The Nutcracker, visit www.artsballettheatre.org.

 

Photo courtesy of Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida.