Nutcracker Re-Imagined:
“A Familiar Suite” Delights Audiences with Refreshing Visual Feast
Step It Up Dance Productions in Cornwall-on-Hudson has been producing its own innovative version of the holiday dance classic The Nutcracker for ten years. Judging by the growing size of its audiences, this particular production is fast becoming a Hudson Valley tradition. Ronda Barber, owner and Artistic Director of the studio, is the creative force behind the show which still features treasured breathtakingly iconic ballet renditions of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece. However, what makes A Familiar Suite unique is the surprisingly seamless infusion of jazz, tap, hip hop and modern dance into the story, as well as a few song selections exclusive to this presentation.
A Familiar Suite showcases the work of one hundred students ages five through eighteen, and the imaginative vision of six renowned Hudson Valley choreographers. This year, the part of the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Cavalier will be danced by local favorite RJ Miller, who is presently studying dance at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. The show features props built by Broadway set builders; a Bon Bon-spewing Mother Ginger whose girth is large enough to rival her Lincoln Center counterpart; and over three hundred costumes, from timeless platter tutus to a vintage Rockette-inspired piece worn by an adorable and impressively clean line of miniature tap dancers. There is music, color and talent to please even the most jaded fan of this traditional production.
Two performances will be held Saturday, December 13th at 4:00pm and 7:00pm at the Cornwall Central High School in New Windsor. Tickets are $15.00 each and are available at the door. For more information, please call the studio at 534-3645. Gift yourself and your loved ones with tickets to this local singular sensation!