Nimbus Dance Works, Jersey City’s premier dance company, has announced the inaugural performances of what they hope will become an annual holiday tradition, “Jersey City Nutcracker.”
Drawing on Nimbus Dance Works’ strong local ties and the company’s mission to integrate top-caliber dance directly into the community, “Jersey City Nutcracker” features a cast comprised of top professional dancers as well as community members, including youth from the dance schools Jersey City Dance Academy and Next Step Broadway.
Though containing elements of the original E.T.A Hoffman folktale and set to Tchaikovsky’s renowned orchestral score, “Jersey City Nutcracker” will present an adapted narrative set in a contemporary urban environment.
Created by a collaborative team of local artists, including Nimbus Dance Works Artistic Director Samuel Pott (choreographer), Alysia Souder (librettist/playwright), Irene Borngraeber (scenic designer), and Allison Duncil (costume designer), the full production will be rolled out over the course of the next three years.
“We envision that “Jersey City Nutcracker” will bring people of all ages and all parts of the Jersey City community together around this classic dance. Our version celebrates the traditional elements of Nutcracker – holiday spirit, family values, and childhood fantasy – and simultaneously introduces themes relevant to contemporary audiences,” Pott said.
In addition to selections from “Nutcracker,” the winter program also features the world premiere of Priyè Ginen, a new duet choreographed by Jean-Paul Jr., and Pott’s poignant “Six Chansons,” set to the enthralling music of Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy.
Nimbus Dance Works’ 2010 “Jersey City Nutcracker” can be seen at Grace Church Van Vorst, 39 Erie Street, Jersey City, on Friday, Dec. 17 and Saturday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $8 for students and seniors.
To purchase tickets, go to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/137495. For more information, call (201) 377-0718 or email info@nimbusdanceworks.org. The performance is appropriate for all ages and is barrier-free.
About Nimbus Dance Works
Nimbus Dance Works focuses its work on the intersection between high-level dance and innovative ways of involving communities and audiences. Through critically acclaimed performances throughout New Jersey and the Northeast, programs for Jersey City youth and seniors, partnerships with Jersey City institutions, and collaborations with notable composers and visual artists, Nimbus weaves together artistic excellence and community impact.
Performers with Nimbus Dance Works are top-tier dance artists drawn from widely recognized companies including American Repertory Ballet, New Jersey Ballet, and the Martha Graham Dance Company. Nimbus Dance Works is company in residence at Jersey City’s Grace Church-Van Vorst, and has been honored by an official proclamation of support by the City Council of Jersey City.