Three local dancers are performed in the ABT Christman spectacle “The Nutcracker” on stage at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. The last production was Dec. 19.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts recently presented its popular tradition – American Ballet Theatre’s captivating production of The Nutcracker. Co-presented by the Center and ABT with choreography by ABT Artist in Residence Alexei Ratmansky, The Nutcracker is the beloved holiday story based on The Nutcracker and the King of Mice written by E.T.A. Hoffmann and set to a magical score by Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky
The local dancers appearing are Ashley Sisneros and Indiana Foley, both of Cypress and Samara Singh, of La Palma, according to a SCFTA spokesperson.
All three are among were selected from among more than 250 studentsl students at The American Ballet Theater’s William J. Gillespie School at Segerstom. ABT school at SCFTA, they said.
With choreography by ABT Artist in Residence Alexei Ratmansky, The Nutcracker is the beloved holiday story based on The Nutcracker and the King of Mice written by E.T.A. Hoffmann and set to a magical score by Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky.
In its annual holiday engagement, American Ballet Theatre will gave 12 performances between 2021 in Segerstrom Hall. This year marks the 6th time that The Center has presented ABT’s The Nutcracker, Southern California’s grandest production of this beloved holiday tradition. This Nutcracker features ABT’s international all-star cast.
American Ballet Theatre has a long, storied history of producing several critically acclaimed productions of this annual family- friendly classic tale of Clara and the Nutcracker over the years (previous versions were by Mikhail Baryshnikov and ABT Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie). The Nutcracker, with its timeless music by Tchaikovsky and fairytale costumes and exotic dances, is the perfect way to introduce children to dance and even inspire them to study dance and become a little Clara or Nutcracker Prince.
Scenery and costumes for The Nutcracker are by Tony Award® winning designer Richard Hudson (Disney’s The Lion King). Lighting for the production is by Tony Award® winner Jennifer Tipton.
The Los Angeles Times said, “Choreographer Alexei Ratmansky has made his own Christmas miracle: a joyful “Nutcracker” ballet that is ravishing and clever enough to inspire multiple viewings … in ‘Waltz of the Flowers,’ Busby Berkeley-esque waves of complex human patterns make this waltz one of the most astounding and beautiful you’ll ever see … in all its wondrousness, an unreserved classic.
The Orange County Register said, “A visual tour de force … a Nutcracker without parallel … Ratmansky is an undisputed master; few choreographers combine his qualities of invention, wit, pacing and theatricality … Ratmansky has created a work that celebrates the wonder and transformative power of live performance.”
The New York Times said, “Mr. Ratmansky here is an enchanting storyteller, but his is among the most original, fascinating for children and adults alike. A production like no other, made with complete theatrical authority from first to last.”
“It makes me feel like one day I can be like Baryshnikov and be known by lots of people and have a great dancing career,” said Foley.
Indiana Danger Foley has been dancing since he could walk. He made his stage debut at just three days old when his mother, a dance teacher, carried him on stage for the bows at the end of the annual recital. Indiana has grown up at Pacific Dance in Irvine, CA and enjoys various genres of dance. From tap to hip hop, ballet to jazz and everything in between.
If he is not dancing on stage at competitions he’s dancing around the house, grocery store aisles and in his chair at school. Indiana also enjoys video games, movies and origami. Indiana has loved making friends with his other castmates, especially the boys because BOYS DANCE TOO! He is super pumped to be making his debut with American Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker and hopes that this will only be the beginning. His goal is to be the next Baryshnikov.