The Nutcracker is a fairytale ballet composed in 1891-1892 by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. Marius Petipa choreographed the first ballet based on Alexandre Dumas adaptation of the story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by E.T.A. Hoffmann. The first performance was held in December 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Since then, the ballet became a Christmas tradition, becoming one of the most popular ballets of all time. Its universal appeal has been attributed to the popularity of its timeless characters and the beautifully intricate choreography, costumes, and set design.
According to PYB president Frankie Briones, “I believe our rendition of the performance is so successful because of Ayako Takahashi’s amazing ability to choreograph all her dancers in a way that brings out their abilities and strengths as dancers. She combines professional dancers with amateurs, fine tuning each scene in order to provide the audience with a captivating experience. The final scene is stunning, especially when the flying sleigh sweeps across the stage.”
The PYB’s Nutcracker has been featured on KGO TV Ch. 7’s “View from the Bay” and in 2007 it was rated as the second best Nutcracker in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Examiner. This year’s performance will also be excellent, especially with the amazing list of professional guest dancers: Jekyns Pelaez from Diablo Ballet as the Cavalier; Mariko Takahashi from the Oakland Ballet and Moving Arts as the Sugar Plum Fairy; Joseph Copley from the Margaret Jenkins Dance Company as the Prince; and, Juan Pazmino as Drosselmeyer. This is one Nutcracker you won’t want to miss.
“For nearly 20 years, I have had the opportunity to work with hundreds of professional and amateur dancers,” said Ayako Takahashi, PYB’s artistic director. “I am always amazed at the immense talent here on the Peninsula. These performers come alive on stage and use their talents to keep audiences enthralled year after year.”
Shortly after each 2:00 pm matinee performance, children will be able to meet the characters from the “Sugar Plum Kingdom” at “Clara’s Tea Party”, which includes cookies, punch, a photo with a favorite character and a surprise gift.
Who: The Peninsula Youth Ballet
What: The 2009 Nutcracker ballet performance
When: November 28th and 29th / December 5th and 6th, 2009
Where: San Mateo Performing Arts Center, 600 North Delaware St., San Mateo
Time: 2:00 pm
Ticket Prices: Orchestra: Adult $35.00 and Senior/Child $25.00
Balcony and Orchestra Side: Adult $25.00 and Senior/Child $15.00
Clara’s Tea Party: $12.00 per person
Info and Tickets: Online at www.pyb.org or call 650.631.3767 / Discounts available for groups
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