Ballet Wichita

'THE NUTCRACKER'

REIGNS AGAIN

BALLET WICHITA'S 47th ANNUAL PRODUCTION BRINGS THE MAGIC

WRITTEN BY KAREN LONG

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE PIERCE

This month Century II Concert Hall will fill with an enchantment unseen for two years when Ballet Wichita brings “The Nutcracker” back to the stage. After such a hiatus the production is bound to feel fresh — but not only will it feel fresh, it will be fresh, with upgraded costumes, esteemed guest artists and dramatic special effects — all re-envisioned by David Justin, the new resident artistic director.


In the midst of transitioning out of pandemic mode, Justin brings a beloved holiday tradition back to life. He comes with his own storied resume, including a 17-year academic career, time spent with Kansas City Ballet as the interim ballet master and men’s program coordinator, and he was the founding artistic director of American Repertory Ensemble. He has also performed as a principal dancer with Birmingham Royal Ballet, was a soloist with San Francisco Ballet, and has traveled the world as a guest artist. Showered with international acclaim, his choreography has been described as “surprising,” “poetic,” “athletic,”

“inventive” and “intelligent.”

Invention, poetry and delight will be on full display Dec. 10–12, with the introduction of a flying balloon and a jack-in-the-box. The nutcracker doll will magically heal after being broken.


“We're also going big on snow,” Justin says. “Snow is really important.”


“You have to be able to dream — but you also have to be able to execute on

your ballet technique.” — David Justine, Resident Artistic Director


Ballet Wichita has recreated some costumes and borrowed others “to expand the painting palette, if you will,” Justin says. “The Columbine and Harlequin costumes are completely new; Mother Ginger and the Polichinelles — they're all brand new. I'm really excited about the way the entire production is beginning to thread itself together.”


Guest artists Danielle Fu and Liang Fu from Kansas City Ballet will be dancing the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, in addition to 80 local dancers. Justin is quick to praise the Wichita talent, many of whom are under the age of 12.


“They've been really committed; I think very early on, they understood the level of professionalism and commitment that we're going to bring to the process. You have to be able to dream — but you also have to be able to execute on your ballet technique.”


The dedication of the dancers and the innovation of the artistic director are even more extraordinary, considering the gradual transition out of pandemic conditions. Rehearsals were held in masks and costumes were designed with face coverings to protect cast and crew alike. But those precautions haven’t constrained the production in the least. In fact, like Clara, who is transported by her dreams, Justin is kept awake at night by visions of sugar plums.


“Last weekend, we ran all of act one as it flows — and that night I couldn't sleep. Because I could see what a wonderful production this is going to become, and a beautiful way to celebrate the joy of the holiday season. We have a live orchestra; Century II is a fantastic venue in which to produce the magic. I think it's going to be a really great show.”

Ballet Wichita presents “The Nutcracker”

Featuring the Ballet Wichita Orchestra and a  production reimagined by new resident artistic director David Justin.

Century II Concert Hall

Friday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 12, 2 p.m.

Tickets start at $25, wichitatix.com

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