JERSEY CITY – For the 7th year of the company’s annual holiday tradition, Nimbus Dance Works, Jersey City’s acclaimed professional dance company, presents “Jersey City Nutcracker” from Dec. 16 through 18 at Frank R. Conwell MS4 Auditorium, 107 Bright St., Jersey City.
“Jersey City Nutcracker” tells the story of two children’s urban holiday adventure that leads them through fantasy, adversity, and celebration, and teaches them lessons about friendship and community along the way.
Choreographed and directed by Nimbus Artistic Director Samuel Pott, this adaption of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic is performed by a cast of professional dancers from Nimbus Dance Works, joined by youth and adults from the community as they portray familiar characters such as the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Rat King, the Arabian Princess and Drosselmeyer – all with a Jersey City twist.
Sponsored by Goldman Sachs, “Jersey City Nutcracker” is one of the largest annual performing arts events in the region. Performances involve youth performers drawn from the School of Nimbus Dance Works and the dance programs of the Jersey City Public Schools. Over 2,000 school children attend special school-time matinee performances. Jersey City public school students perform important roles in the production and gain real-world experience assisting with backstage and front-of-house work.
“During a time of uncertainty when our community needs to unite, we are proud to present ‘Jersey City Nutcracker,’ which brings together professional dancers, youth from throughout the region, and families from all backgrounds to celebrate the holidays and our shared sense of community,” says Samuel Pott, artistic director of Nimbus Dance Works.
In addition to the professional dancers of Nimbus Dance Works and Nimbus 2, each year top youth performers from throughout the region audition for lead roles.
This year lead youth performers in the roles of Maria and Christina are: Angel Browne, Snyder High School; Krystal Andrade, High Tech High School; Lucy Rieder, Learning Community Charter School; Sommer Gomez, Union City High School; Quincy Willingham, Waterfront Montessori School; and Diana Boscha, Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.
For last minute holiday shoppers, a pop-up gift boutique in the lobby of the performance features unique, handmade items and gifts for sale made by local artists and craftspeople.
Tickets are $11 – $40 (early bird prices through 12/4; group discounts available). Tickets are available at www.nimbusdanceworks.org. For information call (201) 377-0718 or contact info@nimbusdanceworks.org.
Nimbus Dance Works presents ‘The Nutcracker’ on Dec. 16 – 18
