Archive for the ‘The Nutcracker Ballet’ Category

Review: Growing Through Arts – The Nutcracker Ballet Story & Activity Books

Friday, December 16th, 2011

nutcracker-ballet-by-aleksaAh, The Nutcracker! It’s often a child’s first “real” taste of the world of ballet, inspiring many a young Sugar Plum, Clara and Nutcracker Prince!

Now you can encourage your little one’s love for this classic holiday tale with this sweet storybook from Growing Through Arts.

The Nutcracker Ballet by Aleksandra features delightful illustrations and charming prose that are sure to please budding ballerinas and baby danseurs of all ages. This beautiful hardcover book features a generous 11×11 size (perfect for those chubby little hands!), character building questions carefully woven throughout the story to fuel further discussion, and a handy glossary which explains new terms in a clear and simple way.

The Nutcracker Ballet Practice & Play Book is a robust 32-page activity book filled with fun mazes, printing practice, pattern recognition exercises, drawing lessons, hidden pictures and – one of the best features by far – the Nutcracker Paper Doll!

Class Act Tutu's Testing Lab featuring Miss Avianah

Class Act Tutu's Testing Lab featuring Miss Avianah

The book features standard dimensions of 8.5 x 11″, colorful illustrations and a larger font making it ideal for preschoolers through 2nd grade. While the book contains plenty of stand-alone learning activities, it’s designed to complement The Nutcracker Ballet storybook.

Both the story book and activity book are written by Russian Pointe’s own Aleksandra Efimova, illustrated by her sister, Elizaveta Efimova, and published under Aleksandra’s latest venture, Growing Through Arts. Founded in 2010 and “inspired by the classical, world-acclaimed Russian educational system, Growing Through Arts products are infused with the philosophy that participating in the arts can have a dynamic impact on children’s careers, educations, and social lives. Our system combines a uniquely powerful set of learning elements to boost your child’s mental and emotional growth.”

Their products build on and develop:

  • Creativity and imagination
  • Confidence, leadership and character strength
  • Memory, abstract thinking, discipline, focus, and a wide range of pre-academic skills
  • Arts vocabulary and much more!

The Nutcracker Ballet by Aleksandra & The Nutcracker Ballet Practice & Play Book offers children an insightful peek behind the curtain and brings to life Clara’s world and that of her beloved Prince like never before. I was very impressed by both the quality of these items, as well as their unique ability to encourage a young child’s love for dance in such a positive and insightful way. These books would make a great Christmas, birthday or “just because” gift for tiny dancers.

Sightings: Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s “Nutcracker by the Numbers”

Friday, December 10th, 2010

We love these mathematical rundowns of productions.  It gives a small sense of all the work that goes on behind the scenes to create a performance.  We were thrilled to see this piece posted by Aspen Santa Fe Ballet that show some Class Act Tutus in the piles!

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, "Nutcracker by the Numbers"

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, "Nutcracker by the Numbers"

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet has performances of the Nutcracker in Omaha, Santa Fe and Aspen.  Get your tickets!

A Peek Inside: The Rock School’s Nutcracker 1776

Sunday, November 28th, 2010
The Rock School's "Nutcracker 1776"

The Rock School's "Nutcracker 1776" Photo: Tiffany Yoon

The Rock School for Dance Education’s ‘Nutcracker 1776′ provides a delightful patriotic twist to a traditional holiday classic. Nutcracker 1776 “tells the tale of two children entrusted with an enchanted key and Nutcracker that lead them far from their home in colonial Philadelphia.”

Not only were we at Class Act Tutu proud to have created some of the production’s costumes, we were curious about the inspiration behind this beloved production.

We posed our questions to The Rock School’s directors, Bojan and Stephanie Spassoff.

What was the inspiration behind Nutcracker 1776? Why did the school decide to “travel off the beaten path” and branch out like this? (Which by the way, was an awesome idea!)

We wanted to “re-invent” a new Nutcracker.  Distill it and make it Philadelphia-centric.  Ben Franklin is our “Drosselmeyer” figure – a cross between Dumbledore and Drosselmeyer.  Instead of a German Parlor in the opening scene we are in Ye Olde City Tavern Inn, a real Philadelphia tavern  during colonial times where virtually all of the Founding Founders met, discussed and planned the issues of the day.  This seemed to us to make it much more personal for our Philadelphia audience as well as sneaking in some actual history.

How has the community received the production over the years?

This is only our third year of doing this production but the response has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic.   The School’s Rock Reach outreach program has a special dress rehearsal for over 1,800 under served children from schools in Philadelphia, Camden and Chester County.  The children are thrilled to see what may be their first and only Nutcracker.  The response rivals a rock concert!

That’s amazing! So do you offer a more traditional production as well? If so, how do attendance/ticket sales compare between the two?

No, we do not as this production is specifically geared to be more accessible for families with young children and fathers who do not want to sit for two and a half hours.  It is truly still a traditional Nutcracker.  We try to keep it fresh every year by adapting to the students enrolled in The School.

In closing, what advice would you give other dance schools or companies looking to spice things up over the holidays?

Just look at your audience to see what is going to make it more feasible for them to go and enjoy something for the whole family, that is beautiful, elegant, and yet dynamic.  It is also important to review show times, assess when the performances are better attended, and to take into consideration feedback from the audiences.  Incorporating elements of magic, the unexpected and a variety of smaller charming little parts for children in the production is pleasing to both participants and the audience.  Keep the joy in the dancing!

For more information about Nutcracker 1776 or to purchase tickets, please visit their website at TheRockSchool.org.

Class Act Tutu created the V-Neck Tutu Bodices and the Romantic Skirts with Basque (color:  White) for The Rock School’s Snow Scene as well as the “Betsy Ross” Classical Tutu Skirt (color: Royal Basque/Red Skirt   style:  soft classical).

The ‘Muttcracker’ Provides Fun Holiday Twist

Friday, November 12th, 2010
Bailey and Tex: The Shih Tzu, Bailey, is the Nutcracker Prince, and the black lab, Tex, is the Mouse King. The photo is a reenactment of their famous epic battle. | Courtesy of DMS Photography

Bailey and Tex: The Shih Tzu, Bailey, is the Nutcracker Prince, and the black lab, Tex, is the Mouse King. The photo is a reenactment of their famous epic battle. | Courtesy of DMS Photography

Seriously, how cute is this?! “This holiday season, Jamie {a Shetland sheepdog} will join nearly 30 other costumed dancing dogs in “A Canine Version of The Nutcracker,” or simply, “The Muttcracker.” There will be no barking “Jingle Bells” — the music is all from the Tchaikovsky score audiences know and love. But the Nutcracker Prince is a Shih Tzu, and Marie (also known as Clara in some productions) is played by a pug. Jankowski’s two other Shelties, Bonnie and Lizzy, are also on the playbill.” What an adorable and absolutely fantastic idea! For more information including performance times and super-cute gallery pics, click here.

Tutu Ensemble of the Week: Aurora Borealis

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010

Aurora BorealisGentle and graceful, teasing and elusive, the Aurora Borealis is nature’s most dazzling display of perfection.   The Aurora Borealis  calls out to the explorers, dreamers, and star-gazers each evening, gently drawing them near for her private performance.  As she streaks across the heavens in a powerful fusion of color, wind and light, her admirers are rendered speechless–captivated and awestruck by the beauty which is hers alone.  This is the admiration she longs for; this is what brings her life meaning.

You too can leave your audience speechless with the help of Class Act Tutu’s “Aurora Borealis” innspired tutu ensemble! Choose your style of Tutu Bodice in Soft White paired with a 5-Layer Romantic Tutu skirt featuring cascading layers of snowy white, palest pink and icy blue, our Aurora Borealis ensemble is as stunning as the Northern Lights themselves. We  think this would made a stunning snow scene for your Nutcracker Ballet.

For one week only, you can purchase this celestial charmer at an incredible savings! Click here to order.

Russian Pointe’s Nutcracker Experience Contest

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010

Nut_Event_LgAttention young Russian Pointe and Nutcracker fans! This one’s just for YOU!

Win a memorable afternoon of arts and luxury!
Girls and boys ages 6-15 are cordially invited to submit an original response to the question, “How does dance influence my life?”

Ten winners will enjoy the following:

  • Catered luncheon at the elegant Russian Pointe Dance Boutique
  • Tour of Russian Pointe, Inc. led by founder and President Aleksandra Efimova
  • Limousine ride through Chicago to Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University
  • Matinee performance of The Joffrey Ballet’s famous Nutcracker ballet on December 12, 2010
  • Doesn’t that sound fabulous?! For complete contest rules and information, please click here. Good luck!!!!

    “Lavender Meadow” Tutu Ensemble

    Thursday, October 14th, 2010

    Our “Lavender Meadow” ensemble boldly goes where no “shrinking violet” has gone before! Taking our inspiration from nature’s most fragrant fields, Lavender Meadow boasts a spectacular display of rich, vibrant color that is guaranteed to put a dash of ”pizazz” in your Nutcracker’s Waltz of the Flowers! Opulent hues such as wood violet, deep purple, lavender and soft pink create a show stopping ensemble that is sure to please audience members, both young and old alike.

    As with all of our exclusive Nutcracker ensembles, Lavender Meadow is available at an incredible savings for one week only! Order yours TODAY!

    A Rose…

    Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

    “A rose…by any other name would smell as sweet.” ~ Quote: William Shakespeare, Romeo & Juliet. For centuries, the rose’s elegant beauty and luscious fragrance have inspired countless visions of amour and romance. It is the symbol of true love and effortless grace, unrivaled in appearance and stature. Indeed, a rose is beauty incarnate.

    Class Act Tutu has captured the essence of this beloved blossom in our new ” Rose Splendor” ensemble! This glamorous costume is just what your Nutcracker Ballet’s, Waltz of the Flowers needs to thrill and dazzle your holiday audience.  This collection features a Dusty Rose Tutu Bodice in your choice of style paired with a 5-Layer Romantic Tutu Skirt in 3 shades of pink and a splash of buttery yellow.

    As always, with the addition of a new ensemble, there is a discount for the 1st week so order now!

    “Arctic Dawn” Tutu Ensemble: PERFECT for your Snow Scene

    Monday, September 13th, 2010

    I’d like you to pause for a moment…and listen.

    Do you hear it? It’s the whisper of winter, quietly waiting in the wings. Ready to make her grand entrance.

    Feel her cool, biting breath cascade along your neck and shoulders. Inhale slowly, deeply…allowing the fresh peppermint-laden scent to envelop your lungs. She’s there, waiting to unveil her beauty.

    Travel alongside her to a snowy wood, where icicles shimmer–snowflakes dance and twirl–while bathed in cascading moonlight.

    Let your eyes drink deeply of the beautiful scene before you. Isn’t it magical? Wonderful? Beyond description?

    This is how the thousands of ticket holders across the country view “The Nutcracker”. To them, it’s a wonder–an awesome beauty–to behold. No other ballet is more loved, more cherished, more inspiring than this one!

    To help make YOUR Nutcracker production the best one EVER, we’re pulling together our most luscious ensembles and offering them to you at an INCREDIBLE SAVINGS!

    First up, we have our gorgeous “Arctic Dawn” ensemble. This icy creation is comprised of shades of aqua and snowy white, enhanced with a hint of pale orchid. This delicate beauty is sure to take your production’s Snowflake variation from “same ol’ routine” to “standing ovation”!

    And now for a limited time, you can order Arctic Dawn at an incredible savings!

    Don’t wait! Like the elusive Northern Lights, this captivating beauty won’t last long.

    Order yours TODAY!

    Waltz of the Flowers

    Monday, August 23rd, 2010

    The Nutcracker Ballet’s Waltz of the Flowers …

    Waltz of the Flowers Group 72

    Romance. Beauty. Joy. These are just some of the words that come to mind when we think of the Waltz of the Flowers and–more specifically–our color-layered “Flower” tutus!

    Why?

    Because our designs are plucked directly from the meadows and forest glades of dreams, bursting with color and light. From the Amaryllis to the Zinnia, from the bold to the delicate, Class Act Tutu has collected a stunning bouquet of inspiration that will help you create the most visually captivating Nutcracker ever!

    Over the next several weeks, we’ll be sharing some of our favorite floral designs. These choice tutus are sure to whisk your mind off to an enchanted garden where lilacs and roses dance in delight!

    But before you take off on a fragrant ”flight of fancy”, we want to hear from you! Tell us which flower(s) have given you inspiration or what flowers you would like to see us “collect”! We may share your ideas in an upcoming post.