While things tend to slow down during the holiday season they are only picking up in the ballet world!
First, in a heartwarming display of community spirit, young dancers from the Kibera Ballet School in Nairobi's Kibera slum transformed the streets into a vibrant stage for a Christmas performance, spreading joy and hope through their talent. Meanwhile, in Colorado, Broncos players Alex Singleton and Will Lutz made a surprise appearance in the Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker, bridging the gap between sports and the arts. Lastly, the Boston Ballet also made waves by reimagining The Nutcracker with a more inclusive approach, updating the costume of Soloist Daniel R. Durrett to match his skin color, a move that highlights the company’s commitment to diversity in the arts.
There is definitely more where that came from. Keep on scrolling to unlock the magic!
In Nairobi's Kibera slum, young ballet dancers from the Kibera Ballet School performed a vibrant Christmas show, turning dusty streets into a stage and spreading joy to hundreds of cheering residents. The event, a product of months of rehearsals and community resilience, showcased the talent and creativity of children who train for free despite limited resources, offering them hope and a brighter future.
Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton and kicker Will Lutz made a surprise appearance in the Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker, performing minor roles in the Arabian dance sequence to enthusiastic applause. While the players embraced the challenge of ballet, the event highlighted the unique crossover between sports and the arts, fostering community engagement and celebrating shared athleticism.
Discover the top 12 performances of 2024 as Pointe Magazine highlights its standout picks of the year. Featuring remarkable debuts and full company triumphs, these performances span contemporary works to timeless classics, with even more favorites on the way.
In Lithuania, the removal of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker from holiday performances as part of a cultural “quarantine” against Russia has sparked intense debate about whether art should be separated from politics during wartime. While some view the ban as a necessary gesture of solidarity with Ukraine, others argue that timeless works like Tchaikovsky's should transcend geopolitical conflicts and not be conflated with contemporary events.
Ballet Vero Beach presents a unique twist on a classic with Nutcracker on the Indian River, set in 1919 and featuring Marie’s journey from New York to Florida, culminating in a vibrant portrayal of the Indian River Lagoon’s flora and fauna. Performances run Dec. 29-31 at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center, with ticket options ranging from $11 to $86, including special VIP add-ons and sensory-friendly shows.
If You're Around This Weekend
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's season at New York City Center features world premieres and new works by choreographers inspired by Alvin Ailey, including Sacred Songs, Finding Free, Al-Andalus Blues, and Many Angels, along with a 25th-anniversary return of Grace and a new production of Treading. The season celebrates the legacy of Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison (1943-2024) and showcases the profound impact of dance on both history and the future.
If You Feel Like Listening
The Boston Ballet is reimagining the holiday classic The Nutcracker with a focus on inclusivity. The Nutcracker costume worn by Soloist Daniel R. Durrett has been updated to match his skin color, a change that Durrett says makes him feel truly seen and allows him to envision himself as the Nutcracker. Spearheaded by Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen, this initiative is part of the Boston Ballet's broader commitment to fostering greater inclusivity in the arts.
If You Feel Like Listening
In this conversation with Dan Guin, Co-Artistic Director of Boca Ballet Theatre, The Ballet Help Desk discusses the Advanced Summer Performance Workshop. This five-week program provides dancers with the rare chance to collaborate with artistic directors from leading ballet companies, offering exceptional career-building opportunities and making it a memorable summer experience.
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