The Nutcracker Season has Begun

Photo by Boston Ballet
Promotional photo courtesy of the Boston Ballet.

It’s that time of the year again.

Bring out the colorful lights, start the holiday shopping, and put on your best outfit as you head on down to the Boston Opera House for the Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Last year marked the premiere of Boston Ballet’s artistic director Mikko Nissinen’s newest version of this classical tale. And this year happens to be the 50th anniversary season of the Boston Ballet. Talk about the many accomplishments in the ballet world of Boston.

In Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker, the elegant and classical ballet is livened with a fun and colorful spirit. Humor was presented in the performance as the audience applauded loudly for the memorable, fuzzy bear and giant-sized rats. The scenes came alive with the combination of perfect lighting, colorful, new, scenic surroundings, and exquisite costumes designed by Robert Perdziola. And of course, The Nutcracker could not be complete without the well-known score of Tchaikovsky–you won’t be able to stop humming “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” the following day.

If you happen to be a college student, getting a rush ticket is not only a must but also a steal. Since you cannot choose your own seats, it is advised to get your tickets early (at least two hours ahead of showtime). For $20, I was sitting at Orchestra Left, surrounded by classy people sipping on champagne. When the lights dimmed and the soft murmur of speaking quieted down, Act 1 began, and suddenly I was transferred to the world of ballet.

The dancers who perform in ballets offer such a rarity. They display grace under pressure, juxtaposing the fragile appearance of dancers with a determination and motivation. The potential in Calssa Grady who dances Clara is clearly seen, not only through her advanced technique (as evident in her impressive turnout and high arches of her feet), but also through the eagerness that radiates off her doe-eyed face.  While the Nutcracker Prince, danced by Jeffrey Cirio, impresses the audience with sky high jetés that seemingly come out of nowhere.

There is always an element of surprise with such talented dancers. They simply make it look easy, despite the long and rigorous training they endure. The one who took the crown that night however, was most definitely Seo Hye Han who danced the Sugar Plum Fairy; every move she made was exactly on point. I felt myself holding my breath at times as she went from one turning sequence to another; a single stumble could not be spotted.

Not only were the dancers versatile in their skills, but the cast was also varied. More than 250 Boston Ballet students were used in the show. The variety of ethnicities seen on the stage–one does not often see an Asian female cast in the prominent role of the Sugar Plum-Fairy–made the show even more beautiful and real.

The amount of focus and passion that these dancers have, for every performance, is immense. It is not hard to feel inspired, as the dancers’ desire for their craft as well as their happiness is exuberant and influential on the audience. The commitment dancers have to their field, is something worth taking note of, even if one is not going to be a professional dancer him or herself. Students can apply this same type of commitment to anything they put their minds to.

There is so much to gain from watching a ballet. You are simply hanging on the edge of the seat as a dancer is able to engage and open the world to you.

Enjoy Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker at the Boston Opera House from November 29 to December 29.

About Michelle Cheng

Michelle Cheng (COM '17) is the Managing Editor of The Quad. She writes about higher education, digital culture and lifestyle. She has previously interned at Forbes, New York Family and Upworthy. Reach her at mbcheng@buquad.com

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