The DVD Corner
The holiday season is around the corner and "Nutcracker" rehearsals and performances keep everyone busy. It's hard to believe the ballet debuted back in 1892, although it took until 1944, when the San Francisco Ballet produced its version, for the funny-looking toy to make his American debut. The New York City Ballet danced its first "Nutcracker" in 1954, and somehow the Christmas season has never been the same. There are many interpretations of the original E.T.A. Hoffmann story, The Nutcracker and The Mouse King, but no matter how the story of Marie's dream of a nutcracker doll that morphs into a prince is told, no choreographer dares use any but the original Tchaikovsky score.
Top Of This Month's List
"Ballet Favorites"
Compiled in 1998
87 Minutes
This is a great holiday stocking stuffer, chock full of memorable performances by twentieth century stars from The English Royal Ballet, The Paris Opera Ballet, The Kirov, and American Ballet Theatre. Among the highlights that just pile up one upon another leaving the viewer feeling as if they've just walked through a ballet lover's dream: the clog dance from "La Fille Mal Gardee;" a rousing "Don Quixote" finale with Baryshnikov; a lovely Garland Waltz from "The Sleeping Beauty;" a charming "Nutcracker" variation; and an unforgettable, passionate performance by a youthful Alessandra Ferri in the bedroom scene from "Romeo and Juliet."
A Must-Own
"The Nutcracker"
An American Ballet Theatre Production
Mikhail Baryshnikov/Gelsey Kirkland
78 minutes: 1977
$29.99
Superstar Mikhail Baryshnikov and the ethereal Gelsey Kirkland were slated to replace the Nureyev/Fonteyn legendary partnership, but it quickly became more idea than a reality. This rare DVD of the pair dancing together in Baryshnikov's personal restaging of the holiday classic is worth the extra dollars. As the Nutcracker/Prince, Baryshnikov is all the cavalier that Ms. Kirkland, dancing like a wisp of wind, needs as a partner in this dream-like version of a girl's first love. Cinematic techniques of dissolves and close-ups add to the magic of Baryshnikov and Kirkland dancing with youthful energy and stunning artistry.
Chapter Selections
Ballet history collection:
"Casse Noisette: Circus"
Les Ballet de Monte-Carlo
Choreographer: Jean-Christophe Maillot
90 Minutes: 1999
This unusual "Nutcracker" was choreographed to celebrate the jubilee year of Monte Carlo's H.S.H. Prince Rainier III. Innovative with a lot of technical tricks, the bones of the traditional story of the nutcracker, the Christmas Eve party, the child Marie/Clara and her dream are here in a grotesque blending of fact and fantasy. The land of sweets is inhabited by traditional circus acts. Overall, this is an interesting version of the ballet that will leave traditionalists missing that magical Christmas tree.
Check out your libraries, video stores, or contact Kultur and Dance Horizons to see these DVD's.
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