Dallas Black Dance Academy (DBD Academy) presents its second annual Espresso Nutcracker, a new twist on a holiday tradition and the only Nutcracker of color in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The performance is jazz-influenced by the music of Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite. The performance is Friday, December 13, 2019, at 7 pm at the Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm Street, Dallas.
“Macy’s is proud to support Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s groundbreaking effort to present an inclusive Nutcracker experience for the Dallas community,” said Robin Harman, manager of corporate giving for Macy’s and the show’s presenting sponsor.
DBD Academy Director Katricia Eaglin, assisted by academy instructors of the Pre Pro Division levels 1-4 students who will perform in the production choreographed Espresso Nutcracker. Eaglin was inspired to use the traditional Tchaikovsky music along with tracks from Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite, selecting Ellington tracks that were still recognizable to the original work. She included narration to the performance to unlock the mystery and magic for parts of the storyline. Eaglin also added an African dance to the Land of Sweets act that includes Spanish, Arabian, Chinese, and Russian dances.
“I was inspired to create and produce the Espresso Nutcracker for Dallas Black Dance Academy so our academy students could be involved in the Nutcracker tradition,” said Eaglin. “This gives our academy students more opportunities to perform ballet, and to use the amazing music that Duke Ellington created for the Nutcracker.”
The original Nutcracker Ballet, choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, is one of the most famous ballets in the world. It tells the story of young Clara’s magical journey on Christmas Eve. Many dance academies bring in professionals to dance key Nutcracker roles, but Dallas Black Dance Academy students will dance all the key parts, such as the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Snow Queen. DBDT professional dancers will dance the characters of the Mother, Father, and Drosselmeyer.
ESPRESSO NUTCRACKER PERFORMANCES
Friday, December 13, 2019, 7:00 pm
Majestic Theatre
1925 Elm Street
Dallas, TX 75201
Ticket prices range from $22.50-$32.50.
For tickets visit www.attpac.org or call 214-880-0202.
For more performance details, visit www.DBDT.com.