Campbell’s Dance Studio is in the midst of rehearsals for the 45th performance of The Nutcracker, an annual tradition for many families in the community.
The cast of dancers and actors is 100 strong, with most members ranging in age from 4 to 18. This year’s performance promises new twists and turns compared to years past. There are new professional stage sets, complete with hand-painted scenery. The beautiful costumes and props add to the liveliness of the plot in Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.
Campbell’s version of this holiday classic is complete with dancing dolls, Mother Ginger on stilts, leaping and spinning ballerinas, and gymnastic tumbling throughout, by the Russian dancers and jesters. Tina McCarey is the director this year, with national and international choreographers staging the play.
This ballet is the perfect first ballet for anyone, or the perfect addition to your family’s holiday traditions. The timeless plot and the energy of this ballet will keep even the pickiest audience member entertained.
The Nutcracker is a fairy tale about the magic and beauty of Christmas, and the ways love can transform fantasy into reality. The story begins at a party, where children Clara and Fritz are dancing with their friends and family. They are excited by the arrival of their godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer, who brings with him two life-size dancing dolls. Then, he gives Clara and Fritz their Christmas gifts.
Clara receives a Nutcracker doll. She is delighted, but Fritz snatches the doll and breaks it. Her godfather repairs the Nutcracker. The children leave the party. Clara comes back after everyone is gone to check on her Nutcracker doll.
The Christmas tree begins to grow as Clara watches in amazement. Mice fill the room, led by the Mouse King. The Nutcracker rushes to save Clara from the Mouse King in a sword dueling fight. A large cannon even goes off. The Nutcracker turns into a prince, and takes Clara on a journey never to be forgotten. At the end of the journey, Clara awakens from her dream. She is lying under the Christmas tree next to her beloved Nutcracker.
Campbell’s production is professional and uplifting, just like their school of dance, which has been in business for 45 years. Every child is treated with respect and receives not only the best possible training, but also is surrounded by positive experiences, which promote the building of self-esteem.
The Nutcracker will be performed at Mountain View High School, located at 2700 E. Brown Road, on Dec. 6, at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale on Nov. 3, at 4 p.m., at Campbell’s Dance Studio, located at 2820 E. University Drive, Suite 106. Call (480) 830-3450, or purchase tickets at the door on the evening of the performance. Priced at $12 each, tickets are assigned seating.