Download Dear Taconic Press, - New Paltz School of Ballet

Dear Taconic Press,
To whom it may concern,
Press Release for New Paltz Ballet Theater’s The Nutcracker.
Pictures have already been sent.
The Nutcracker has become as much a holiday tradition as Christmas trees, mistle
toe and family gatherings. The familiar and ever entertaining music of Tchaikovsky and
original choreography by Lev Ivanov were first presented in St. Petersburg Russia in
1892. All was based at that time on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s Tales of the Nutcracker. At a
Christmas Party Marie receives a Nutcracker from her strange Uncle Drosselmeyer. She
falls asleep and dreams of a battle between mice and toy soldiers. The Nutcracker,
himself made in the shape of a wooden soldier, battles the seven headed King of the Mice
and defeats him with some help from Marie. The Nutcracker then transforms into a
Prince and leads Marie through a magical forest where the snowflakes dance lightly and
taste like sugar. He then takes her to his home, a palace made of sweets, to meet his
mother the Sugarplum Fairy. Everyone from the kingdom dances for Marie and the
Prince including the Sugarplum fairy and her Cavalier in a final Grand Pas De Duex.
New Paltz Ballet Theatre’s production of the Nutcracker tells its audience the
story seamlessly. You are transported from the opulent party scene to the exciting and
sometimes comical battle scene. Then on to the enchanted snow forest where a
picturesque blizzard of snow falls on stage. After intermission you go to the Kingdom of
Sweets and are entertained with wonderful costumes and dancers including Monique
Meunier as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Nilas Martins as her handsome and dynamic
cavalier. Both are guest artists from New York City Ballet. Miss Meunier is also a
former principal with American Ballet Theatre and is an international touring star. They
will bedazzle you and be the cherry on top of this gorgeous production of Nutcracker.
New Paltz Ballet Theatre has been written up as the best ballet company north of
New York City, most of their dancers being trained professionally by Peter & Lisa
Naumann at the New Paltz School of Ballet. Peter & Lisa both are former members of
New York City Ballet trained by the great Mr. Balanchine himself.
The Bardavon Theatre offers an intimacy not available in larger venues making
New Paltz Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker the favored production of the Hudson Valley.
Now in its ninth year in Poughkeepsie, his is truly your holiday ticket for fun and culture.
Be sure to get your tickets at the Bardavon Box Office 473-2073 and while you’re
there also get your tickets for New Paltz Ballet Theatre’s upcoming April 23rd production
of Coppelia. Another great children’s, of all ages ballet that is sure to amaze and delight.
The Nutcracker is being performed December 10th at 2:00 & 7:30 PM
December 11th at 3:00 PM.
Bardavon Opera House in Poughkeepsie
35 Market Street
473-2073.