Ballet des Amériques Presents Nutcracker Dream at the Emelin Theatre
- Thursday, 05 December 2024 15:21
- Last Updated: Thursday, 05 December 2024 15:21
- Published: Thursday, 05 December 2024 15:21
- Joanne Wallenstein
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The Emelin Theatre resumes a holiday tradition – NUTCRACKER DREAM – in partnership with Westchester’s premier professional dance company Ballet des Amériques, with a magnificent backdrop plus new costumes and choreographies to keep faithful audiences engaged and excited.
The Emelin Theatre is proud to present Nutcracker Dream, performed by Ballet des Amériques, one of the few professional dance companies in the New York metro area producing this holiday classic. Inspired by the work of Rudolf Nureyev and Marius Petipa, this 90-minute family-friendly adaptation is an exquisite interpretation of the beloved holiday classic.
French-American choreographer Carole Alexis reimagines the traditional story by drawing on her multicultural heritage and choreographic vision. This production is based on A Story of a Nutcracker (1844) by Alexandre Dumas, a Caribbean and French author whose multicultural background mirrors the richly diverse origins of the cast. Alexis creates an energetic production with dancers that engage, surprise, and delight. “Carole’s adaptation speaks to all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds,” says Emelin’s Board President, Mark Ettenger, “and ticket prices are set at levels that are accessible, affordable and inclusive, all central to the Emelin’s mission."
Among the standout performers are Johnathon Hart, a rising star recently featured in Dance Magazine, dancing the Cavalier alongside Sugar Plum soloist Isodale Alexis. Also featured is Rosella Dunkerley, a 17-year-old local talent who has trained at the Ballet des Amériques Conservatory for six years and performs multiple roles with aspirations of becoming a professional dancer.
Young dancers from Westchester County perform children’s roles, showcasing a vibrant local presence in the production. The new magnificent backdrop, costumes, and fresh choreographies ensure that faithful audiences remain engaged and excited. Additionally, this presentation marks an extraordinary collaboration between two arts organizations committed to celebrating the performing arts and fostering community connections.
This exclusive engagement at the Emelin includes eight matinee and evening performances in December. Tickets starts at $41 for adults and $30 for students, inclusive of all fees, in keeping with the mission of making the arts affordable and accessible.
The opening Gala is Saturday, December 14 at 7PM, and a limited number of VIP packages are being offered. Subsequent performances are scheduled twice daily at 1:30 PM and 5 PM on December 15, 21, 22 and 26.
A TREASURED PARTNERSHIP AND TRADITION | Ballet des Amériques has been staging productions at the Emelin Theatre since 2012. Nutcracker Dream premiered at the Emelin in 2018, and was staged again in 2019, and most recently in 2023 to sold-out audiences.
ABOUT CAROLE ALEXIS | Carole Alexis is a choreographer, producer, dance educator and pedagogue and the founder and director of the Carole Alexis Ballet Theatre/Ballet des Amériques, who has won numerous awards and proclamations for her contributions to the arts and the advancement of culture. Most recently, in 2021, Carole Alexis was named Chevalier de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture, and in 2023, she was honored with the Artist Award by ArtsWestchester. A student of Maurice Béjart, Alexis’ choreographic work is rooted in classical ballet training and tradition while drawing upon influences as disparate as children's games, island rituals, natural phenomena, and modern urban life.
ABOUT BALLET DES AMÉRIQUES | Under the directorship of Carole Alexis, Ballet des Amériques has been staging productions at the Emelin Theatre since 2012. The company’s extensive and eclectic repertoire bears Carole Alexis’ distinctive signature and vision, reinvigorating “ballet” for new audiences and dance connoisseurs alike. Proclaimed “Westchester’s Premier Dance Company” by the County Executive and voted “Best Ballet Company” by the editors of Westchester Magazine, Ballet des Amériques has danced in nearly 200 productions throughout Westchester, the greater New York City area and overseas and is committed to developing inclusive dance audiences through choreography and performances of the highest quality.
ABOUT THE EMELIN | Founded in 1972, the Emelin Theatre is a non-profit organization that brings world class performing arts to Westchester County. Promoting a cultural life that entertains and educates our audience, the Emelin presents numerous world class events including all genres of music, comedy, dance, and family theatre, plus a broad range of independent and contemporary film. Well-known for our high-quality and affordable programs, the Emelin is one of the few performing arts venues in our region offering such a broad mix of entertainment appealing to all ages and tastes, attracting audiences from Westchester County and beyond. Voted Best of Westchester Professional Theatre 2020. Best of Westchester Children's Theatre 2023. (Westchester Magazine)
The Emelin Theatre’s 2024-25 programs are made possible in part by ArtsWestchester with support from Westchester County Government and by New York State Council on The Arts.
For more information, please visit here.
Emelin Theater:
153 Library Lane
Mamaroneck, NY 10543
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.emelin.org
Box Office in-person Hours: Two hours prior to any scheduled performance.