Vadim Burciu as Herr Drosselmeyer, Emma Brown, performing the role of Clara and Keaton Breeding as Fritz, in Kingsport Ballet's "Nutcracker" 2014.
Kingsport Ballet prepares for its season kickoff with The Nutcracker, Dec. 18-20 at Northeast State, Blountville, Tenn. A holiday favorite around the world, this ballet is not just a holiday staple, but for many, it has an annual event to bring the entire family to.
"We had a great response last year, staging "The Nutcracker' closer to Christmas," said board president Lee Houston. "By staging this classic the weekend before Christmas it provides folks an optimal event to kick off the season with the whole family. Next to decorating the tree, I believe going to see "The Nutcracker' has become a must for children during the holidays. Those are the wonderful traditions we remember when we get older."
And Kingsport Ballet's traditional Russian version is full of holiday warmth, elegance, and the magic of the season. They once again feature a slate of international artists.
"We usually have several guest artists in our productions," explains Executive Director, Bertina Dew. "We are really excited about this year, as we will be bringing back Lyvan Verdecia, formerly with the National Ballet of Cuba and now with Ballet Hispanico in New York, as well as Zoltan Boros, originally from Hungary, currently with Columbia Classical Ballet." Both men were featured soloists in Kingsport Ballet's "Swan Lake' production last April at Eastman's Toy F. Reid.
The role of Princess Clara is danced by Andrea Maciel de Faria. In the United States, she has performed with Columbia Classical Ballet and Orlando Ballet, among others. Maciel de Faria trained under notable teachers in Brazil and Germany, and has been recipient of numerous dance awards in Brazil, Argentina, France and the U.S. "Maciel de Faria embodies the role of Princess Clara with her charming and delicate demeanor and graceful lines," Dew says.
Vadim Burciu, instructor at Kingsport Ballet and frequent soloist in company productions, once again dances the role of Herr Drosselmeyer. His interpretation of this character role is both charming and mysterious and considered to be very true to the rendering of the eccentric uncle who woos the children, especially Clara, with his magic and craftiness, according to Dew.
Tickets are on sale through www.kingsportballet.org or through the Kingsport Ballet Facebook page. Purchasers may print their tickets at home, or pick them up at will call the night of the performance. Children ages 4-11 enjoy the traditional Clara's Tea and Chocolate, which takes place just prior to Saturday, Dec. 16 performance The tea party is at 5 p.m., and tickets are sold separately at $10 per child. Call Kingsport Ballet at 423-378-3967 for tea tickets.
