November 20th, 2009 :: PRESS
Nutcracker Twinkles at NPAC Once Again
Clara’s Tea Party Charms the Little Ones
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Niswonger Performing Arts Center (NPAC) will once again attract families from around the region to enjoy the holiday classic – The Nutcracker – December 4th and 5th at 7pm. With Kingsport Ballet’s Russian influence, and a staging based on the ballet’s traditional roots, audiences can once again look forward to the impressive performances of professional power-dancers and well-trained area students to light up the stage.
In spring of this year, in celebration of their 20th anniversary, Kingsport Ballet was rewarded by the Tennessee House of Representatives in a resolution honoring the organization’s contributions to the region in the area of classical ballet and the arts in general. The Company’s commitment to excellence, volunteerism and community involvement were areas highlighted in the document, which now hangs prominently in the Studio’s foyer.
Kingsport Ballet’s artistic director Valeria Sinyavskaya feels strongly about inviting professional guest artists who are at the top in the field. “Blending the professionals’ work with that of area students and children makes for a balanced, high quality program,” Ms. Sinyavskaya explains. “The magic and charm of The Nutcracker is easily portrayed though the professional-quality staging; the hand painted backdrops and beautiful costumes tie off the whole package.”
The Company’s dancers enjoy excellent in-house training as well as that of accomplished visiting guest artists. Vladimir Angelov, internationally renowned choreographer who works with KB students during summer workshops says: “Working with the Kingsport Ballet and creating new original choreographic pieces for the company has been always an amazing experience - the passion of those young dancers, along their mature commitment and very fine artistry... It is truly inspiring!"
This year, Fernando Moraga, a native of Santiago, Chile, and previous soloist with Houston Ballet and Ballet Florida, will dance the role of Drosselmeyer, and young soloists with Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida and previous soloists with the Mariinski Theatre will dance other lead roles.
As one Greeneville gentleman put it, “I used to go (to the Nutcracker) as a child in Philadelphia and Chicago. I went to the one at NPAC last year and was prepared for, you know, something less… but I was really impressed! It was just as good as what I remember as a child.”
Prior to Saturday evening’s performance, children can enjoy Clara’s Tea Party, a traditional “Tea” for ages 4-9 held in the Mezzanine at NPAC. The party is a yearly treat for children who attend the Saturday performance of Nutcracker. Dressed in their special holiday dresses, children can enjoy a charming gathering, meet some of the cast members, and take home a souvenir as well as educational materials.
The string ensemble of violinist and instructor Galina Timofeev will once again perform holiday favorites in the mezzanine, adding to the festivities prior to curtain and during intermission.
Hand-made, stained-glass ornaments depicting the many Nutcracker characters will be on sale at the ballet boutique at all performances.
Tickets to Clara’s party are $10 and may be purchased through the NPAC box office 423/638-1679.
- For performance tickets call NPAC box office: 423/638-1679.
- For directions to the theatre visit: www.greenevillenpac.com.
- Ticket prices: $20, $16 (senior/stud.), $15 (for groups of 15 or more), $10 (5 yrs and under).
- School performance Thursday, December 3rd – 10am: visit: www.kingsportballet.org for registration forms.
KINGSPORT BALLET IS FUNDED FOR GENERAL OPERATIONS BY THE TENNESSEE ARTS COMMISSION UNDER THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS. Outreach programs are made possible by the City of Kingsport. For a full list of sponsors please visit: www.kingsportballet.org
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