Ballet and The Nutcracker

Submitted by celeste.penick on
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A small touring group comprised of Ballet West company dancers and a narrator put on an amazing presentation called “Ballet and The Nutcracker.”  The program is designed to give children the opportunity to experience how the basic elements of dance, music and the visual arts combine into a presentation.  The students learned a little of the history of ballet and the dancers explained aspects of their professional careers, such as daily practice, appreciation of music, good posture, basic positions, technique, and dedication to their work.  The dancers demonstrated how everyday movements are similar to ballet steps. Student volunteers were then chosen to practice leaping and jumping ballet style.  After learning the basics of ballet, the students were  introduced to the characters of  The Nutcracker.  The narrator explained as the dancers demonstrated how pantomime and music help tell the story and determine the movements of each character.  The ballet company finished up with a mini performance of The Nutcracker.