New York Dance Theatre will present its 39th season of “The Nutcracker” at Hofstra University, Hempstead on Saturday, Dec. 18 and Sunday, December 19 with performances each day at noon and 5 p.m.
NYDT’s production is the largest Nutcracker on Long Island and the only one performed in the tradition of New York City Ballet’s Lincoln Center version.
Through the years, founder Frank Ohman created original dances and scenes that set his production apart from others on Long Island. As a former student and soloist under George Balanchine he was one of a select few authorized to use the original pas de deux choreography of his mentor, which continues to distinguish this production.
Special guest artists, New York City Ballet principal dancers Indiana Woodward and Daniel Ulbricht, will perform as the Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier.
Ulbricht, a principal dancer at New York City Ballet, serves as an artistic advisor for the Ohman School of Ballet, a division of New York Dance Theatre, and has been a recurring master class instructor at the school including on Zoom throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the elegant Christmas Party Scene, the drama of the magical growing Christmas Tree, the Battle of the Toy Soldiers and Giant Mice, the live Snow Storm, and the brilliant dancing in the Land of the Sweets, “The Nutcracker” appeals to all ages.
In all, a cast of 80 children, pre-professional and professional dancers will bring this classic story ballet to life on the stage of the John Cranford Adams Playhouse.
The children’s roles are performed by students of the Frank Ohman School of Ballet in Commack, representing a variety of towns in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Tickets for this full production ballet are $42.00 and $32.00 (seniors and children 12 and under) plus $3 fee, available at www.ohmanballet.org or 631.462.0964. Details about Covid-19 protocols for audience members are outlined on the website and are subject to change according to local government guidelines.
