Page 11 - The Holiday Issue San Diego Woman Magazine

a celebration of dances: The Spanish The Myth and Meaning behind the Although nutcrackers have been
Dance, The Arabian Dance, The Russian Nutcracker Image around for ages, they only became pop-
Dance, The Chinese Dance, The Mirli- ular in the U.S. when the GI's were in
ton Dance, and The Waltz of Flowers. According to German folklore, Germany during World War II and vis-
Lollipops, Rosebuds and Petals, Ribbon nutcrackers were given as keepsakes to ited open-air markets where they saw
Candy—all enchant the audience. Moth- bring good luck to the home and pro- the Nutcrackers and learned what they
er Ginger appears and surprises every- tect each family member. The legend represented. The soldiers brought them
one with eight little bonbons who dance says a nutcracker represents power and home to their families and loved ones.
out from under her skirts to the joy of strength and like a trusty watchdog, Many believe this very fact is why The
all. As a finale, the Sugar Plum Fairy and guards you and your family from evil Nutcracker ballet became very popular
the Cavalier dance a beautiful Pas De spirits and danger. A fierce protector, in the US in the early 1950’s.
Deux (dance for two) the nutcracker bares its teeth to evil,
The Dream Ends: Clara awakens and is a messenger of good luck and
from her dream and finds herself by her goodwill.
Christmas tree with her beloved Nut-
cracker.

“What a lovely evening! Definitely an
evening to remember!”
—Magda Morrison

CALIFORNIA BALLET’S glittering production of The Nutcracker leaps onto the stage of the
San Diego Civic Theatre in America's favorite holiday tradition with a cast of 200
that includes 157children under age 18.

Casting 157 San Diego County Kids THE NUTCRACKER WITH THE SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
in The Nutcracker Roles San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave, Downtown San Diego
• Friday, December 14 at 7 pm
At California Ballet, we have a lot • Saturday, December 15 at 2:pm & 7:00pm
of fun casting children for the Decem- • Sunday, December 16 at 1pm & 5:30pm
ber Nutcracker production. We get the • Wednesday, December 19 at 7 pm
word out, and in August kids around • Thursday, December 20 at 7 pm
San Diego eagerly await auditions hop- • Friday, December 21 at 7 pm
ing for a role. Artistic Director Jared • Saturday, December 22 at 2pm & 7pm
Nelson and his professional team have • Sunday, December 23 at 1pm & 5:30pm
a set of steps and movements for the
kids, as they observe their dance style, Tickets available online or through the California Ballet Ticketing Office at
smiles and other features that show (858) 560-6741 or http://californiaballet.org/nutcracker/. Visit our website to
how a child will sparkle in a Nutcracker check for special Kid friendly performances for children under 4 years of age.
role. The auditions typically last 2-3
hours, and the cast is set within 3-4
weeks. Clara's audition is separate and “My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our evening at the California Ballet.
by invitation. Casting the children for Truly, it was an unexpected treat, especially the less traditional pieces. A total
the Nutcracker is an exciting event for delight! If this is what we are to expect from the California Ballet, you will see
both young dancers, and one California more of us."
Ballet looks forward to each year. —Greg Snaer, Director, Legacy and Community Engagement, Teri, Inc

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