Held Saturday, December 11 at 11 a.m. & 3 p.m.
The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra presents two performances of the holiday classic The Nutcracker, featuring Texture Ballet School and guest dancers from Texture Contemporary Ballet on Saturday, December 11 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Palace Theatre in Greensburg. WSO Artistic Director Daniel Meyer will conduct the performances.
“We are thrilled to once again welcome audiences to enjoy the Nutcracker this holiday season with the full orchestra and more than 120 dancers bringing the classic story to life on Palace Theatre stage,” said Endy Reindl, Executive Director of the WSO.
The Nutcracker will feature choreography by Texture Contemporary Ballet’s Artistic Director, Alan Obuzor, who is a member of the 2013 Dance Magazine “Top 25 to Watch” list, and Texture’s Associate Artistic Director, Kelsey Bartman, who is co-creator of WIP Choreography Project.
The role of Clara will be performed by Eve Alexandra Snyder and Alyssa Herter. Avery Walz will dance the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker Prince will be performed by Jonah Rensi and Owen Fallon. Professional dancers include Alan Obuzor as the cavalier, Christopher Bandy, Kelsey Bartman, Madeline Kendall, Hannah Knorr, Elaina Sutula, and Sophie Powell.
The Nutcracker originally premiered in the 19th century and remains a holiday favorite. This timeless classic follows the young Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they are swept away on an enchanting adventure, led by the mysterious Drosselmeyer and Lady Silberhaus. During this epic journey, they join forces with soldiers to battle the evil Rat Queen and her entourage of mice and travel to a breathtaking winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes. When they finally enter the magical Land of the Sweets, Clara is introduced to the land’s many vibrant characters, dazzled by waltzing flowers, and captivated by the beauty of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.
“There is a magic created for both performers and audience members when live dance and live music come together. I have had the privilege and honor of performing Nutcracker with the WSO for many years, and now I am beyond excited to share some of that magic with the dancers of Texture Ballet School and Texture Contemporary Ballet,” said Alan Obuzor, Texture Artistic Director.
Title Sponsor: Tribune-Review
About Texture Contemporary Ballet
Texture Contemporary Ballet is based in Pittsburgh PA, and was founded in 2011 by Artistic Director Alan Obuzor. Texture Contemporary Ballet is comprised of classically trained professional ballet dancers who have danced and trained at some of the top ballet companies and schools in America. Resident and guest dancers are brought together to create and present predominantly contemporary and neo-classical work. Texture strives to inspire dancers, teachers, directors, choreographers, audience members, and artists of every kind, by presenting ballet in an innovative way. We believe it is important to break through preconceived notions that people may hold while witnessing ballet for the first time. Yet simultaneously, Texture fulfills the expectations of frequent theatergoers and those who are deeply submerged in the dance world. Therefore, Texture is both unique and inviting, while still upholding standards of technique and presentation.
Photo: Gary Stone Photography
