A take on a classic

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The Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy finish the pas de deux. A pas de deux is a dance between two dancers, typically a male and female. Photo contributed by Brent Smith © Butler University 2019

During the holidays, dancers know that it is time to begin rehearsals for “The Nutcracker,” and Butler Ballet is no exception. I performed in “The Nutcracker” at Butler for five years, have attended their performances and started taking ballet classes with the company this year. I continued my tradition of dressing up and going to Clowes Memorial Hall to see the whimsical performance this month.

While the dancing was flawless during the party scene, what truly added to the magic was the entrance of Drosselmeyer, a magical toy maker. To enhance his powers there were special effects of light and smoke, keeping the audience surprised. Even with his magic, Drosselmeyer was outdone by the hilarious grandmother. She tried to dance but became too tired, collapsing into her chair. As drinks circled the party, she had a little too much, sending her dancing crazily across the stage till she was escorted off by the maid.

The stage soon turned into a snowy winter wonderland. The dance was going smoothly, and all the dancers were in unison. Then suddenly one of the dancers fell. My heart began to race, but she was back to her feet in a beat. I knew the show would go on no matter what happened, but the fallen snowflake carried herself gracefully and never missed a step.

My favorite part of the show was the pas de deux between the Sugarplum Fairy and the Nutcracker. The dancers didn’t disappoint as series of turns and leaps were performed effortlessly and with flawless 14 Entertainment By Julia Brookshire, Online Managing Editor ‘The Nutcracker’ provides an enchanting night to viewers who attend the show - The von Stahlbaum family is having a Christmas Eve party. - Uncle Drosselmeyer makes a surprise visit. - He brings life-sized dolls, magic puppets and a nutcracker gifted to Clara. - There is a battle between the toy soldiers and mice. - The Nutcracker wins the battle. - Clara is taken to the Land of Sweets. - She enjoys dances by the Kingdom Dwellers. - Clara leaves the Land of Sweets in a magic sleigh. Summary Two dancers perform the snowflake scene. The ballet features many iconic dances such as this one. Photo contributed by Brent Smith © Butler University 2019

technique. As they danced together the Sugar Plum Fairy seemed to float through the air as the Nutcracker lifted her. The pairing of the dancers was extraordinary. They seemed to move as one as they jumped across the stage. I didn’t want the dance to end, but soon the curtain closed.

Aside from some minor slip ups and one fall, Butler Ballet put on an enchanting rendition of “The Nutcracker.” They made good use of all the props and sets available to them to help bring the stage to life, and their vibrant costumes and special effects only added to the magic of the professional-level performance of the traditional dances. Unfortunately the ballet is closed for the year, but I definitely recommend seeing their annual performance next December.