For the first time since 2002, Dancers Studio Inc.’s presentation of Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic “The Nutcracker” will feature live music.
The Columbus Indiana Philharmonic will accompany the dancers on Dec. 2 and 3 at Columbus North High School’s Judson Erne Auditorium, 1400 25th St., according to organizers. A third show can be added if needed, said Andrea Davis, executive director of Dancers Studio.
The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, then under the direction of Arkady Orlovsky, last teamed with the nonprofit dance troupe for such a 175-cast-member show directed by Alma Wiley on Dec. 7 and 8, 2002 at Seymour High School auditorium because it had more space for musicians, organizers said at the time.
Tickets are now available to the public at thecip.org or at the Philharmonic’s office at 315 Franklin St.
“Our performers are very excited to have the CIP involved,” Davis said.
Philharmonic Music Director Isaac Selya is equally excited.
“When I was selected as the CIP music director, one of my initial goals was to involve the CIP with other community organizations,” Selya said. “I learned that Dancers Studio performs ‘The Nutcracker’ every year with recorded music. The opportunity for CIP and Dancers Studio to collaborate seemed to be a natural fit.”
Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker premiered on Dec. 18, 1892 as a double bill alongside his final opera, “Iolanta.”
Both works explore themes of magic, childhood, and the triumph of kindness and compassion over evil and darkness. Tchaikovsky was highly self-critical and was initially disappointed with his final theatrical works and with a somewhat lukewarm audience reception in 1892.
Nonetheless, “The Nutcracker” gradually won over audiences all over the world with its melodies, rhythms, magical flourishes, comedic appeal, and heartwarming plot. Locally, the show has become among many of the student dancers’ favorite memories through their dance experience locally.
And some families have made the show part of their annual holiday tradition here.
