Announcing The Brooklyn Nutcracker Sweet!

Almost everyone is familiar with the Nutcracker story–a young girl receives a Nutcracker from a mysterious man, the Nutcracker comes alive, a battle ensues, and then the Nutcracker prince and young girl are transported to the Kingdom of Sweets. This tried and true ballet is a holiday classic, but what happens when the Nutcracker is Brooklyn-ized?

Artistic Director Lynn Parkerson saw a unique opportunity to fuse a contemporary perspective with ballet technique by combining the magical Nutcracker tale with the celebrated diversity of Brooklyn. While her dream has been a long time in the making–Brooklyn Ballet has been showing Nutcracker excerpts since 2005–we are staging the pieces together in a single event for the very first time. By incorporating street and modern dance, infusing African dance styles, and placing the dancers in a multicultural, intergenerational setting on Flatbush Avenue, the Brooklyn Nutcracker Sweet reflects the very heart and soul of Brooklyn.

Over thirty children from our school program will perform in the event, alongside our seasoned professional dancers and guest artists. The Brooklyn Nutcracker Sweet will also feature several incredible collaborations with local artists. In addition to the motion sensor tutus we created in 2014, we will showcase a brand new touch-sensor tutu designed by collaborator Leila Ligougne. The production will be further brought to life with the help of an updated set design created by acclaimed visual and conceptual artist Avram Finkelstein.

In our endeavor to produce this revitalized, one-of-a-kind production of the Nutcracker, we will be launching a Kickstarter campaign on November 9. Check back on the blog for updates on the Kickstarter, and please consider donating!

The Brooklyn Nutcracker Sweet will run from December 9-13 at The Actors Fund Arts Center at 160 Schermerhorn Street. You may purchase tickets here. Please keep in mind that space is limited and we are expecting tickets to sell out. We hope to see you there!