Accompanied by first-rate, live music by the Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra, 'The Nutcracker' is a rare treat.
Accompanied by first-rate, live music by the Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra, 'The Nutcracker' is a rare treat.
That, in itself, was no surprise, since this Principal Dancer with the Philadelphia Ballet has always been impressive. But it was surprising that her sheer strength, the rock-solid steadiness of her unsupported pointe work, and the way she immediately and consistently commanded the stage — as Dewdrop, leader of the waltzing Flowers — should have so dominated Friday’s excellent performance.
Who could resist a dozen adorable baby Angels: the little girls in identical dresses, sparkly wings, and halos who open Act II? Not I. But even more remarkable than the patterns they traced while gliding, single file, around the stage, was their ability to stand absolutely still and focused, throughout the solo of The Sugarplum Fairy .
Demi-Soloist Russell Ducker has danced a wide variety of roles; he is also a talented choreographer. But did you know that he can channel English music-hall comedy? As Mother Ginger, wearing a voluminous skirt that hid eight young dancers, Ducker milked every bit of comic timing from the role. In particular, the exaggerated double-take he did upon glimpsing his own, garishly made-up face in a hand mirror, was priceless.
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