FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The sights and sounds of The Nutcracker have become all too familiar for people in South Florida. For nearly 30 years, the Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida has brought their production of the classic to families of all ages.
“We started our company with a performance of The Nutcracker in 1997, and now we are celebrating our 28th anniversary,” executive director and producer Ruby Issaev said. “It’s a little bit different than what the people are used to watch(ing) because it is very familiar, (but) we tried to break the fourth wall so the people can get integrated into the performance and enjoy every minute of it.”
Even though The Nutcracker is one of the most popular shows, the man in charge, artistic director Vladimir Issaev, is doing his best to make the audience feel included in the magic, music and movement.
“Ballet, we don’t talk … We transmit history (and) transmit what we feel with movement and music only,” Vladimir Issaev said.
The story follows young Clara, played by Kanon Tanaka, who is originally from Japan.
Her co-star, Remina Tanaka, who is also from Japan, says he, along with many others in the cast, are living out their dreams by doing what they love.
“To be here is very special for me, because I get to do what I love for a living, and I love everything. I love dancing, I love ballet, of course, I love the music. I love the experience dancing on stage. And of course, every day, like routine rehearsal as well,” Remina Tanaka, who plays the cavalier, said.
“I love it. I’ve always, since I was a kid, I’ve always loved watching the battle scene and I’ve always wanted to be a Mouse King,” Andreas Cross, who plays the Mouse King, said. “I know it’s not a soloist role or anything, but it’s just – I love it. It’s just a role that I would love to do and I’m so happy to be able to do it.”
This year, there is also what’s being described as a “sensory- friendly” performance that is meant to be inclusive for all to enjoy.
“The first performance is at 11 a.m.,” Ruby Issaev said. “It’s a sensory-friendly performance that is dedicated to children and adults with sensory disabilities. It’s an awesome performance, because the feedback from the audience is amazing.”
To purchase tickets for The Nutcracker, click here.
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