Ballet giving audience chance to meet dancers

Photo courtesy Jeffrey W. Speer

Dancers reherse for the Nevada Ballet Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker.” Performances continue through Dec. 28.er

By Becky Bosshart (contact)

Friday, Dec. 12, 2008 | midnight

Not every little girl can play Clara or dance beside the Sugar Plum Fairy. But at Nevada Ballet Theatre's "The Nutcracker," children can get close enough to touch a tulle tutu.

During the intermission of all 15 performances Dec. 17 to 28, families can pose for a $10 keepsake photo with the dancing snowflakes from the beloved holiday ballet. It may not be on the grand UNLV stage, but it's still much closer than the small recital room of a Summerlin dance studio.

Living the dream of so many little girls is ballerina Alissa Dale, who performs as the Snow Queen, Flowers and Mirletons. It's her fifth year in the production.

"It's super exciting," said the 27-year-old Summerlin dancer. "Especially since it's something that gives a lot of people Christmas spirit."

One of the most difficult things, even for this professional dancer, is keeping it fresh for an audience who has probably seen "The Nutcracker" countless times.

The Summerlin ballet company is changing it up by making this performance the most inclusive in its 25-year history. Aside from students from the Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre, boys and girls from all over the valley were invited to audition, said Jenn Kratochwill, theatre director of public relations. Students are cast in the roles of Clara, Fritz, soldiers, mice, and party-scene children.

"The Nutcracker" cast is comprised of 32 national professional dancers and five trainees. About 80 local children will participate in the theater's largest production of the year.

"There's a lot of talent through out the valley," said Ballet Mistress Clarice Geissel-Rathers. "From the time we started here in 1982-83 the city has grown up quite a bit."

The performance features more than 250 costumes and expansive sets that will charm audiences, she said.

"We have a battle scene where the mice soldiers change into a snow scene and those costumes are very beautiful, long romantic tutus in a white frosted color."

Last year, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman rode across the stage in a sleigh as the celebrity guest. This year, there will be another surprise, but the ballet mistress isn't giving names.

Afternoon and evening performances are at UNLV's Judy Bayley Theatre, 4505 Maryland Parkway. Tickets are $45 to $85 and are available by calling 895-ARTS or visiting www.nevadaballet.com.

"I think people should really look at the arts as a form of escapism, something for them to enjoy and have that family time together. Considering the kind of time we're all going through, this is where the arts can come through for everybody."

Becky Bosshart can be reached at 990-7748 or becky.bosshart@hbcpub.com.