Introduction
“The Nutcracker” by the New York City Ballet was a performance that was both captivating and intriguing. The concert involves professional dancers who demonstrate their exceptional talent in the field of ballet. What makes this performance remarkable is the combination of classical music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, along with unique choreography by George Balanchine. Consequently, through the application of modern touches, emotions, lighting, costumes, and play, it was possible to create an outstanding performance.
Choreography
First, the choreography was a classic reset for the current performance, and the choreographer is known for his outstanding works in the field of ballet. The choreographer, George Balanchine, takes the classic approach and adds their own unique touches to make it more relevant and exciting for contemporary audiences. To make the performance simple yet graceful, certain gestures were added, which can be seen in the beginning as the young girl yawns, stretches, and springs from the chair (The Dances, Inc. 4:02).
It can be seen that the choreography was well-executed, with the movements flowing seamlessly, and the dynamics of the performance were outstanding. The choreography was not only technically impressive but also conveyed a sense of narrative and emotion. The movements were well-motivated, and the performance moved well in space. One specific movement image that stood out was the use of lifts towards the end of the performance, where the dancers displayed exceptional strength and control (The Dances, Inc. 1:26:56). These lifts added a sense of grandeur and spectacle to the performance, leaving the audience in awe.
Production Design
It is noteworthy that the performance was conventional and involved elements such as lighting, scenery, and costumes that enhanced the choreography. The lighting by Ronal Bates and Mark Stanley was exceptional, with the use of cool colors like blues, greens, and violets that created a calm and serene mood (The Dances, Inc.). The lighting additionally highlighted the movements of the dancers, making them more visible to the audience, which is visible during the children’s performance (The Dances, Inc. 8:40). Likewise, the scenery by Rouben Ter-Arutunian and costumes by Karinska are appropriate and well-designed, with the use of vibrant colors that complemented the performance (The Dances, Inc.). It is additionally noteworthy that the music was well-coordinated by Clotilde Otranto with the performance and played an essential role in the overall performance.
The composer is well-known Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and the violin soloist is Kurt Nikkanen (The Dances, Inc.). The live music added a sense of immediacy and intimacy to the performance, making it feel more personal and engaging. The form of the music influenced the form of the dance, and the two elements were well-coordinated to create a seamless performance.
Finally, the dancers were well-rehearsed and performed exceptionally well. The ensemble pieces were well-coordinated, and the dancers worked well together to create a harmonious performance. Among the players were Megan Fairchild, performing the Sugarplum Fairy; Joaquin de Luz, performing her cavalier; Adam Hendrickson, performing Herr Drosselmeir; and Colby Clark, performing the Nutcracker (The Dances, Inc. 1:55).
The solo pieces were also impressive, showcasing the individual talents of the dancers. The dancers conveyed a sense of joy and enthusiasm in their performance, making it a pleasure to watch. The overall production was outstanding, and the performance was captivating. The choreography, music, lighting, and costumes were exceptional, and they all came together to create a beautiful performance. The performance was well-connected, and it left the audience in awe.
Conclusion
The New York City Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” was remarkable and brilliantly displayed the extraordinary ability of the dancers, choreographers, and musicians. The choreography was complemented by the lighting, scenery, and other performance components, which were all well-coordinated. The audience was in awe of the outstanding production as a whole. The beauty and artistry of the performance stayed with the audience long after it was over, leaving a lasting impression.
Work Cited
The Dances, Inc. “The Nutcracker – Full Length Ballet by The New York City Ballet” [Video]. YouTube. Web.