KCMETROPOLIS.org
Kansas City's Online Journal of the Performing Arts

 Kansas City Ballet presents
The Nutcracker
by Tchaikovsky
Choreography: Todd Bolender

Runs December 6 - December 28
Call or visit the website for performance times.
Music Hall, 301 W 13th St., Downtown Kansas City, MO

The magical journey of Clara and her Nutcracker to a candy-land world makes this annual tradition a joy to behold.  Always a favorite for young audiences, The Nutcracker is the largest production in an eight-state region. Over 200 area children who are students in the Kansas City Ballet School perform alongside 25 Kansas City Ballet company dancers.  The live performance is accompanied by the Kansas City Symphony playing the familiar, famous music of Tchaikovsky.  

Nutcracker Facts:

• The Nutcracker Ballet is based on the book called "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" written by E.T.A. Hoffman.
• In 1891, the legendary choreographer Marius Petipa commissioned Tchaikovsky to write the music for The Nutcracker Ballet.
• In 1892, the first showing of The Nutcracker took place at the Mariinsky Theatre of Russia, home of the Kirov Ballet.
• The Nutcracker made its way to Western Europe in the 1930's and to America by 1940, performed by Ballet Russe.
• The first American full length Nutcracker was performed by the San Francisco Ballet, choreographed by W. Christensen. It has since become an annual Holiday tradition.

For tickets call 816-931-2232 or online at www.kcballet.org

(NOTE: Reviewed by KCMetropolis.org on December 6, 2008)

940 Dance Company presents
A Kansas Nutcracker
Friday, December 12 & 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 13 & 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 14 & 21 at 2 p.m.

For a local twist on the traditional Nutcracker story, try this innovative presentation by the 940 Dance Company.  This version tells Clara's story set in Lawrence, Kansas in the 1850s.  The production features the professional dancers of the company and a cast of over 100 adults and children performing to the traditional Tchaikovsky music arranged by Jeff Dearinger and played by a mandolin orchestra.  A slightly different interpretation of the well-loved Christmas classic, this version is likely to become its own Kansas City tradition.  

For tickets call 913-843-2787 or online at www.LawrenceArtsCenter.org
 

Burlesque Down Underground presents
Under the Mistletoe
Wednesday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, December 19 at 7:30 & 10 p.m.
Saturday, December 20 at 7:30 & 10 p.m.
H&R Block City Stage Theatre at Union Station
30 West Pershing Road, KC, MO 64108

For the latest in local neo-burlesque performed by professionally-trained dancers, check out the Luscious Ladies of BDU performing their holiday special.  If you are looking for lightly risqué, often humorous, and solid entertainment to warm the cockles during the winter season, this show will fit the bill.  

For tickets call (816) 460-2020 or online at www.unionstation.org/underthemistletoe.html
www.myspace.com/burlesquedownunderground
 

Radio City Christmas Spectacular
featuring The Rockettes
Friday, December 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 20 at 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. &  8 p.m.
Sunday, December 21 at  3:30 & 7 p.m.
Sprint Center,
1407 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106

Originally founded in St. Louis, Missouri by Russell Makert in 1925 as the "Missouri Rockets", this precision dance team has wowed audiences with their elaborate spectacles for over three-quarters of a century.  The dance team specializes in tap, high kicks, and drill team formations in elaborate costuming.  This is colorful, fun, musical entertainment with a Christmas theme that the entire family can enjoy, in the beautiful arena of the new Sprint Center.  

For tickets call 816-949-7000 or online at www.sprintcenter.com

By Nicole English

Dance Contributor (Past writer)