You know the music, you know the story.
It’s a holiday tradition the world over, and The Nutcracker is set to return to Grand Rapids this December. The performance is presented by the Grand Rapids Ballet – which is Michigan’s only professional ballet company – and features a musical score by the Grand Rapids Symphony.
The live music is a change from what the ballet company normally deals with and can, at times, pose a problem if performers are not prepared. Rehearsals are being held using music performed at different tempos so the dancers are forced to listen closely, and adapt their movements to the pace of the score.
A cast of around 100 dancers, some of them children from the Grand Rapids Ballet school, will take the stage for the 2 hour performance. There are around 150 costumes and a whopping 80 pounds of fake snow that falls from the rafters to create the wintry appearance. Shredded plastic is used to create the snow because of the way it flutters to the floor.
The Nutcracker will have 8 performances from December 13-15, & 20-22nd, all are at DeVos Hall. If you go, allow for some extra time to check out the Nutcracker and ballet-themed items available in the lobby. The items are purchased in the springtime and packed away, only to have to be pulled from storage, organized and set up for sale once December arrives.
