JERSEY CITY – Nimbus Dance Works, Jersey City’s professional dance company, will take the stage this weekend with four performances of its production Jersey City Nutcracker, a unique retelling of the classic tale that illustrates two children’s urban holiday adventures filled with fantasy, adversity and celebration, with underlying themes of community and friendship.
Choreographed and directed by Nimbus Artistic Director Samuel Pott, the adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s renowned holiday ballet will be performed by a cast of professional dancers from Nimbus Dance Works who portray familiar characters such as the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Rat King, the Arabian Princess and Drosselmeyer. They will be joined by youth and adults from the community.
New for 2015 is the “Waltz of the Flowers…Or Whatever” section featuring Nimbus Youth Ensemble pre-professional students, with colorful life-size sets designed by Jersey City artist Irene Borngraeber, costumes by Jennifer Bentley, and a glittering tree.
Sponsored by Goldman Sachs, Jersey City Nutcracker will be one of the largest annual performing arts events in the region. The presentation will include youth performers drawn from the school of Nimbus Dance Works and the dance programs of the Jersey City public schools.
Jersey City’s Department of Health and Human Services will provide tickets to 300 local senior citizens. Jersey City public school students will perform important roles in the production and will gain real-world experience assisting with backstage, front-of-house, and set construction work.
For last minute holiday shoppers a pop-up gift boutique in the lobby of the performance will feature unique, handmade items, and gifts for sale made by local artists and craftspeople.
Performance dates
Friday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m. Public Performance
Saturday, Dec. 19, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Public Performance
Sunday, Dec. 20, 1 p.m. Public Performance
Performances take place at the Frank R. Conwell MS4 Auditorium, 107 Bright St., Jersey City. Tickets range from $6 – $27 with group discounts available.
Tickets are available at: www.nimbusdanceworks.org. For Information call (201) 377-0718 or email info@nimbusdanceworks.org.
The performance length is approximately 90 minutes, and the presentation is appropriate for all ages. This is a barrier-free event.