The ArTs at Bost dance classes were invited to The Nutcracker Dress Rehearsal by Executive Artistic Director Melissa Schoenfeld of Western Arkansas Ballet on December 16, 2022. It was a fantastic performance, and it was so fun to see some of the “behind the scenes” activities involved in a ballet production.
The Nutcracker Ballet Synopsis: The Nutcracker tells a story about a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King. The Nutcracker, ballet by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. The last of his three ballets, it was first performed in December 1892. This was the 37th annual production of The Nutcracker for Western Arkansas Ballet.
The mood of the performance was set from the very beginning with the entrance of the performance in costume. Props and costumes added to the scenes in unique and fun ways and included everything from nutcrackers to presents and even a full-size sleigh. The costumes were gorgeous, including many period pieces, traditional ballet costumes with fun embellishments and details. The set design was also grand with an amazing, moving Christmas tree, as well as a throne and snow during one scene. The music was inspiring, and the performers danced beautifully.
The dancers were a true cast of characters! From the Prince to the Rat King and Sugar Plum Fairies, the WAB filled many roles with a cast of over 100 local children and adults. Highlights of the performance included guest artists Ashley Murphy-Wilson and Nicholas Cowden from The Washington Ballet who were Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier. Oscar Miller, the Nutcracker Prince, is from the University of Oklahoma. The ArTs at Bost dance teachers Jared and Brianna Mesa were involved in the productions as well. Jared is the Associate Artistic Director while Brianna danced the British Variation and the Waltz of the Flowers in the production. It was very exciting for everyone to see their dance teachers in action!
