Nutcracker Ballet fans in the Los Angeles area are going to find something really special in their stockings this year if they open them before Christmas.  The Kirov Ballet, along with the Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theatre, is presenting The Nutcracker at the Los Angeles Music Center December 17th through the 20th, for six performances including two matinees. 

The Kirov Ballet is the company that started it all back at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1892.  Realizing that this is such a special event, I knew I had to corner Renae Williams, the Director of Dance Presentations for the Los Angeles Music Center, and get the whole story.

Brad: What is it that makes the Kirov Ballet's Nutcracker such a special performance?

Renae: I have to say, selfishly, that the Kirov Ballet continues to be one of my personal favorites. They are one of the best to work with, professionally and artistically.  Although we have a very enthusiastic audience, they may not actually know all the history behind this performance.  To know that there is this historical connection, that the first nutcracker to ever be performed was by the Kirov Ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre, and for our audience to experience that line of history and tradition, I think it's just incredible. 

Brad: What's the secret behind having their own orchestra perform?

Renae:  The last time the Kirov was here, we had both the Kirov Ballet and the Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theatre performing Sleeping Beauty.  It makes a huge difference in terms of the comfort level of the dancers.  There is less rehearsal time and therefore they are immediately able to, from the first performance, give their strongest performance.  The orchestra is also renowned in their own right.  For those who are music lovers or orchestra lovers, those who may or may not have a similar affinity for dance, have the ability to come and enjoy the orchestra as well as the ballet.  

Brad: Can you give us an idea of the dancers we can expect to see?

Renae: One of the things I think is really critical for this production is for the audience to get a chance to see new up and coming dancers of this company. To see the next "Diana Vishnevas" or stars of the Kirov, particularly through this production.  These dancers are exceptionally trained, with a technical clarity that a lot of American dancers strive for.  In terms of the technique, they still set the bar.   In addition to exceptional technique, their performance quality is ever improving and there's joy in every performance.

Brad:  How is their Nutcracker different from the others?

Renae: Although the basic storyline is pretty much the same, there are a few nuances that are different.   Like Clara is not Clara, she's Misha.   There are definitely some surprise elements like when Misha turns into the major ballerina.  Most Nutcrackers have a separate Clara and a more adult senior dancer, therefore Misha's role is much more demanding.  But, the basic storyline is the same with the party scene, the family, the interaction with Fritz and the Nutcracker and the Mouse King.  Those elements that we all remember, that we hold onto, are still very much a part of this production.

This is certainly not a ballet that I intend to miss and neither should you. 
For more information: http://www.musiccenter.org/events/dance_0809_kirov.html  
For tickets: