Outside Dance Critique

Cassidy Fields
12/16/15

For my dance critic, I saw Greensboro Ballets version of The Nutcracker On

Saturday, December the 12th at 2pm. The show was held in the lovely Carolina Theatre
and it was almost a sold out show. I had just seen The Nutcracker the weekend prior
performed by another local dance school. Recognizing that Greensboro Ballet is only a
ballet school and does not focus on any other disciplines of dance, my expectations
were very high. The Nutcracker has been a Christmas tradition since debuting in 1892,
at Moscows Imperial Theatre in Russia.
As the curtain rose, it was a unique use of a scrim. It appeared to be a backdrop of a
house, but when the dancers were lit behind it you could see the inside, which was a
very grand effect. As the Nutcracker opened with the party scene, we were first
introduced to Clara (Or Tara Das) who is a very beautiful and technically proficient
dancer. As Clara and her family were setting up for the party, I really enjoyed the way
the choreographer/director used the entire theatre. Families entered down the aisles,
which helped to make the audience feel as if they were part of the scene. Although the
dancers are all well trained, some of the younger dancers had issues with their
placement, such as turn out and closing into fifth position. They werent the only ones
who had problems, you could catch some of the older girls not pointing their feet in
leaps most especially those wearing pointe shoes. Over-all the acting in this scene set
the stage apart from all of the other scenes.
The battle scene which can often come off cheesy was one of my favorites. A
young dancer from my dance studio was a young mouse. Although the mice were quite
adorable, I thought they needed more choreography. It felt like all they did was run
around from place to place. The only costumes I didnt like in the whole show were the

Page 1.

Outside Dance Critique

Cassidy Fields
12/16/15

older mice; because the heads were so large they looked like Chuck-E-Cheese
characters. During the fight scene, the choreography was good however it seemed they
needed more rehearsal time. In total I liked the intensity of this scene.
The most beautiful and breathtaking scene would have to be the snow scene. The
costuming, backdrop, and constantly falling snow set the scene perfectly. Not to
mention one of my favorite people was in this scene. (*cough cough*) Phoebe
Meadows, who was gorgeous in every single way. I felt the one thing as a group they
could improve upon would be timing and spacing. The Snow Queen (Or Nina Munda)
was very strong in technique and had very lovely legs, her extension in her grande jete
was extraordinary. The partnering was quite impressive as well. Out of all of the scenes,
this one was my favorite.
Overall I enjoyed Greensboro Ballets version of The Nutcracker I feel the
choreographers (Maryhelen Mayfield, Gyula Pandi and Elissa Minet Fuchs) did an
extraordinary job of telling the story. The use of guest artists helped to provide additional
difficulty to the pieces, and a professional quality of movement. I hope to see
Greensboro Ballets The Nutcracker again next year.

Page 2.