Yesterday, we checked out New York Theatre Ballet Presents Keith Michael’s Nutcracker playing at the Florence Gould Theater. What I like about this one-hour production is that it is a wonderful way to introduce the ballet and The Nutcracker to kids under 10.
While parents this is a condensed version of the traditional Nutcracker, for kids only appreciate the dancers, the non traditional touches like girl dancers on exercise balls as well as the shepherdess and her five little girls with lambs’ masks. Yes, while those flourishes may not be what you would expect, it definitely keeps the kids on their toes as the story progresses and add to the whimsical and fantasy nature of the story.
I enjoyed the principal dancers who were quite lovely in their performances together and by far got most of the applause. Whether your child remembers the story or even the show, they will always remember the music long into adulthood. The music for me is what makes the production. As far as my ballet dancer daughter, she loved the performance and appreciated all the non-traditional touches as well.
The December 22 show was the final performance of the season but definitely consider putting on your holiday calendar of activities for 2013.
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