We’re extremely excited for the upcoming 30th anniversary Nutcracker performance as we have added several unique and exciting elements to this year’s production!

Theodore Pollen III will return to play the honorary role of Herr Drosselmeyer. A former Alvin Ailey dancer, Mr. Pollen was an instructor at the Academy for over 20 years, and performed in various studio productions in multiple roles.  He spent years as a positive role model for countless Westport dancers, including two of the current teachers on staff, who both had the benefit of growing up under his instruction.

A defining aspect of the Academy’s Nutcracker, has always been that their own dancers star in lead roles such as Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy.   This year, the dancers are thrilled, as Ask la Cour, a soloist from New York City Ballet, will be performing as the Cavalier in all 3 performances  This is an amazing opportunity not only for the dancer cast opposite him, but for the entire cast to share the stage with a dancer of his caliber.

And of course let’s not forget the most generous parents, past and present students, and families that have stayed with us over the years – their presence makes every single year special and we are grateful that this year will be no different.

Performances will be held at Staples High School, Dec 3rd at 3 & 7 pm, and Dec 4th at 2pm.  Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for student/seniors. For tickets please call 203.226.9987 or download and return our ticket order form.

Thanks to all that give us the opportunity to share memories as we continually strive to form new moments to reflect upon in the future.

Download The Nutcracker 2011 student cast list by clicking here
View Nutcracker photos from previous shows
Watch the trailer from The Nutcracker 2010 movie
A very behind the scenes look at our 26th year

Click here to view the embedded video.

It’s hard to believe the Academy will be performing it’s 30th Anniversary production of the Nutcracker this year.  What hits me even more, is that while it is only the 5th time I have produced the show as the director, the Nutcracker has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember.  From being a young dancer, idolizing the Sugar Plum fairies who came before me, to training the young, talented dancers we are thrilled to have in our program, I am honored to be able to look back at the past five years with pride.

Working alongside men and women I have looked up to for years, we have put our heart and soul into making each Nutcracker special for our dancers and their families.  And with the 30th anniversary on the horizon, nostalgia sets in, and the memories come flooding back.  One of the fondest is so magically captured in this montage — a collection of moments from our 26th year, my 1st as director.  It was an exhausting and fulfilling experience all at once, much like the art of dancing itself!   Full of the moments you don’t see as an audience member, these are the giggles, the tears, and the faces that the performers will never forget….

Enjoy a look back.  And thanks to all that continue to make the Academy a very special place.

With gratitude and anticipation,
Nance

This year’s performances will be held at Staples High School, Dec 3rd at 3 & 7 pm, and Dec 4th at 2pm.  Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for student/seniors. For tickets please call 203.226.9987 or download and return our ticket order form.

Download The Nutcracker 2001 student cast list by clicking here
View Nutcracker photos from previous shows
Watch the trailer from The Nutcracker 2010 movie
A very behind the scenes look at our 26th year

Need a refresher?  Click here to view our video demo with step-by-step instructions!  Originally posted on our blog in 2008.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Every year the show is so unique and we get to experience the energy and enthusiasm of the live performance for those two magical days.  With the video, we continually strive to capture each moment in a format that will  last forever – So the memories stay fresh and the experience can be remembered.

If you’ve received your 2010 nutcracker movie, you’ve probably noticed that in addition to another year featuring our talented students and professionals, there’s the addition of  iconic imagery within the package design and opening title sequence often associated with this most famous story throughout its numerous iterations and appearances over the years.

The artwork was hand painted by Hedi Sidelinker using watercolors on textured paper, then the artwork was digitally scanned, separated into individual elements and animated by Dimitri Amaxas.  Both adding their creativity and insight to enhance this keepsake.

We hope you enjoy the piece as we already start the preparation for the coming year – the 30th anniversary performance, which will most certainly contain a number of surprises!

Download a version for iPhone and related devices by clicking here…

Another Westport Academy of Dance season is rapidly approaching! Registration for existing families begins June 6th, new families can register beginning June 13th. Enroll in person at the studio, online or via regular mail.  Important dates/times below:

Returning Families:
June 6th: Register in person at the studio 9am – 8pm
June 6th: Register online anytime after 9am or via fax or regular mail
June 7th – 9th: Register in person at the studio 5 – 8pm
June 14th – 16th: Register in person at the studio 5 – 8pm
Beginning June 17th: Please call for an appointment or register online, via fax or regular mail

New Families:
June 13th: Register in person at the studio 9am – 8pm
June 13th: Register online anytime after 9am or via fax or regular mail
June 14th – 16th: Register in person at the studio 5 – 8pm
Beginning June 17th: Please call for an appointment or register online, via fax or regular mail

Classes begin the week of September 6th
Download 2011-2012 class schedule by clicking here
Download 2011-2012 enrollment form by clicking here
View performance and behind the scenes photos and videos by clicking here

Please feel free to contact us with any questions

Click here to view the embedded video.

Our Winter Showcase workshop was added to the line up of ongoing academy performances to give our talented teachers, choreographers and students the chance to further illustrate their creativity. Full-length DVDs of the 2011 performance are in production and expected by 6/24.

Please check out the video montage by clicking above

Download the video montage for iPhone by clicking here

For more on the Winter Showcase workshop, check our website or browse the “workshops” category on this blog!

The evening’s revelation was Joaquin De Luz, the spitfire Spaniard who drew the eye in Wheeldon’s otherwise bland, traction-free quartet that turned Schubert into wallpaper. De Luz stood out not because he was the shortest in the cast but because he was the best. Every inch a mover, De Luz now dances with New York City Ballet where, in stature and moxie, he evokes the young Edward Villella. De Luz wore casual practice clothes when firing off a merciless battery of triple tours en l’air in David Fernandez’s “Five Variations on a Theme.” He nailed every last one.

call the city center to see if they have any tickets left for this weekend’s performances.  it will be an evening to remember!

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