Photo credits: Christopher Duggan
The holidays are around the corner, and we’re getting excited to celebrate with some of our favorite family traditions. On our shortlist? The Nutcracker, of course! Greenwich has a fantastic local showing of this enduring classic, performed by the Greenwich Ballet Academy (GBA) at the Greenwich High School Performing Arts Center. “Greenwich Ballet Academy’s The Nutcracker features beautiful, colorful scenery and breathtaking costumes, which make this age-old tradition sparkle to life,” says Patricia Franklin, Chairman, Greenwich Ballet Academy. She adds, “GBA is a non-profit, charitable organization, which relies on the generosity of its donors to help cover the costs of its elaborate productions including The Nutcracker.”
We spoke to Patricia about this highly anticipated performance of The Nutcracker, below.
Interested in attending on November 13 or 14? Tickets are limited, and are on sale at greenwichballetacademy.org!
You’re Supporting A Local Business
The Greenwich High School Performing Arts Center is a world class performance space, but you’re supporting Greenwich Ballet Academy’s local amazing programs by going. Skip the train ride into the city, and give back to Greenwich by buying these tickets.
“Greenwich Ballet Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2006. We are proud to be among the most prestigious and highly regarded pre-professional classical ballet academies in the United States,” shares Patricia. Their mission is not only to nurture young talent for professional ballet and college ambitions, but also to promote a positive learning environment, inclusive of skills, health, fitness, self-confidence and leadership.
“We offer small classes to students from the ages of 3 to 18. Our classes are taught by renowned professionals, with extensive classical and contemporary dance experience, many of whom had professional careers in top ballet companies around the world. Our school emphasizes proper ballet foundation, musicality, coordination, performance quality and overall quality of movement. Classes include ballet, technique, pointe, pre-pointe, contemporary, lyrical, ballet conditioning and more,” says Patricia.
Greenwich Ballet Academy alumni have gone on to join professional dance companies such as Paris Opera Ballet, Joffrey Ballet Chicago, Washington Ballet and Atlanta Ballet. Others have matriculated at top universities such as Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, The Julliard School, Duke University and Boston College.
It’s Truly an All-Ages Show
Some versions of Nutcracker can be geared towards older kids. Patricia says that this performance is appropriate for ages 2+—as along as guests are not disruptive to other patrons’ enjoyment of the performance, of course!
You’ll Enjoy Talent from Greenwich & Beyond!
The entire cast of The Nutcracker is from the Greenwich Ballet Academy, with the exception of two professional dancers from the esteemed American Ballet Theatre (who will appear as the male leads). This year, the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy is danced by Carolina Rivera, who is a senior at Greenwich High School, and her twin sister, Victoria Rivera, also a senior at Greenwich High School, will be dancing the role of Snow Queen. The coveted role of Clara will be danced by Averie Ho of Greenwich Academy and Waka Miyamoto of F.E. Bellows Elementary School.
Patricia shares that dancers are represented from many Fairfield and Westchester county private and public schools, including Greenwich Public Schools, Greenwich Academy, Sacred Heart Greenwich, Greenwich Country Day School, Whitby School, Hackley School, Rye Country Day School, New Canaan Country Day School, and Green Farms Academy.
This Version Will Appeal to Purists
The Greenwich Ballet Academy’s version of the Nutcracker is a traditional, full-length production, with no scenes omitted, set to the original music of Tchaikovsky. “You will see the magical tale of Clara and her adventures with the Nutcracker as they battle the Mouse King and celebrate in the Land of Sweets. You will see dancing Snowflakes, the different Sweets dances, the Sugarplum Fairy dancing with her Cavalier and a growing Christmas tree,” says Patricia.
COVID Is Being Taking Seriously
All audience members will be required to wear masks in accordance with current CDC guidelines when attending performances. “Younger dancers will be required to wear masks while dancers 12 and up are fully vaccinated and/or will have undergone a series of Covid-19 testing in accordance with our Covid-19 safety protocols. In addition, all of our production staff and backstage volunteers are fully vaccinated and will be masked,” shares Patricia.
For Tickets & More Info:
#NutcrackerOutAndAbout @GreenwichBalletAcademy
Greenwich Ballet Academy is excited to partner with local Greenwich businesses as our Nutcracker takes over our Instagram account and pays a visit at iconic Greenwich locations for some fun before heading to our studio for Nutcracker rehearsals. Follow along at #NutcrackerOutAndAbout to see where his adventures take him.
Ticketing and V.I.P. Backstage Passes
Get the full Nutcracker experience with our limited V.I.P. Backstage Access Pass for you and your loved ones – your child, grandchild or your young-at-heart friend. After the Sunday performance, gain access to areas that are off-limits to attendees with an exclusive backstage pass. V.I.P. Backstage Access Pass includes: (i) an intimate behind-the-scenes look of the performance space; and (ii) photo opportunity with your favorite Nutcracker characters. This is truly a unique and exclusive way to experience this wonderful holiday tradition. This limited opportunity is available to any Tier 1 or Tier 2 Ticket Holders for the Sunday performance only and includes access for 1 adult and 1 child. Limited quantities available.
For ticketing and more info, go to www.greenwichballetacademy.org.
This story is sponsored by Greenwich Ballet Academy.
