I was particularly fond of the Mouse King's entrance, standing on a table as if he was David Bowie, with the adoring mouse groupies bowing down. The Nutcracker fights off the mice that invade her dream, dispensing with the Mouse King in fine fashion. The story centers on Clara's nutcracker gift, a princely fellow who comes to life in her dream.
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Ballet Quad Cities dancers are trained to invest themselves in the music, and they know how to listen. This was not a heroic rendition of this familiar work, but rather a tender, almost whispered confirmation of the music. It was a confident, surprisingly soft hearing of the score, building towards the finale with skill. As usual, the string section played with its newly discovered warmth, blending beautifully with the reeds and brasses. Guest Conductor Scott Dunn offered a straightforward, almost business-like rendering of the score, which was welcome.
Many a dance company cannot afford a live orchestra, and by the dancers lose that all-important sense of improvisation, of discovery in the moment. The dancers seek to inhabit the music, with steps neither ahead or behind. It is always a pleasure to have live music for a dance performance, to watch the dancers listen to the music, and work closely with the conductor. Tchaikovsky's music is eminently danceable, with a strong tempo that dancers and choreographers require. These three works continue to be the mainstay of many a ballet company. Its popular composer, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, had already written "Swan Lake" (1876) and "Sleeping Beauty" (1889). And they bring their parents and grandparents by the thousands. The kids in the audience love seeing the kids on stage. It is a recognized starting point for many young ballerinas. Indeed, "The Nutcracker" is all about the kids. A 6-year-old girl was dancing and singing in the aisle during intermission, with absolute abandon. Many in the audience were dressed up for the occasion, with lots of glitter and bows, particularly on the little girls.
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On a frigid afternoon, the full house was warm and happy, with all the glories of classical ballet in full array. 14 and 15 at the Adler Theatre in Davenport. It repeats Sunday afternoon in Cedar Rapids and Dec. The collaboration between Orchestra Iowa and Ballet Quad Cities continues to flourish, through Saturday's matinee performance of "The Nutcracker" at the Paramount Theatre.