THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

Christmas early for Nutcracker

Christmas early for Nutcracker

Local youngsters take to the stage alongside world-renowned ballerinas

“I’M ABSOLUTELY convinced that this is the best Nutcracker ballet in the world because there are children performing in it. When Mr Scrooge dances with the children, it is so beautiful,” says Professor Birgit Keil, artistic director of the State Ballet of Karlsruhe and a former leading German ballerina.
She is describing “The Nutcracker – A Christmas Carol” by the State Ballet of Karlsruhe, Germany, which was staged as part of Bangkok’s 18th International Festival of Dance and Music.
Audiences were delighted with the last weekend’s performances at the Thailand Cultural Centre. A special charity event for school and college students, including the underprivileged and disabled, was held last Friday.
The performance is a special adaptation of two well-known tales and sees the Nutcracker prince meeting Charles Dickens’ miser Scrooge. The storyline is mainly about Scrooge and his eventual change of heart, while the beautiful ballet revolves around the Nutcracker prince and toys. The performance underlines the important values of giving, thoughtfulness and forgiveness.
Adding to the enjoyment, 12 young ballerinas from Bangkok’s Varaporn-Kanchana Ballet School performed alongside professionals from the Karlsruhe Ballet, one of the three leading classical ballet companies in Germany.
“This was a great chance for the kids to get a glimpse of world-renowned dancers,” said Kanchana Jalavicharana, co-founder of the Varaporn-Kanchana Ballet School and head ballet teacher. Ten-year-old Suthasinee Areewattanaphong added, “I learnt a lot, I observed as professional ballerinas make difficult moves look simple.” Ninth grader Chaiyapbha Pramoj Na Ayuthaya agreed, saying, “We danced the scene with Mr Scrooge and had four weeks of rehearsal on our own and six weeks with Karlsruhe ballet master. The practice was tough.”
Keil explained why local children had been asked to take part in the performances. “It is difficult to bring children along on tour so we request local children to join and a ballet master also travels to personally train them,” she said.
As I watch the young ballerinas prep to go on stage, the sparkle in their eyes and their expressions underscored their determination and inspiration. They have discovered early in their lives what inspires them. Most have been training since they were five and this opportunity truly motivated them.
Youngsters in the audience obviously enjoyed the performance. “I think this show is the best. This is the first time I have ever seen a ballet,” said Ruea-mai, a youngster from the Father Ray Foundation.
The rest of the young crowd sat with huge smiles on their faces and showed their appreciation with applause and delightful giggles.
“It is Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker score. The choreography has changed and adaptations were made to Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ which has a strong personality and moral that we try to transfer into this dance,” explained Prof Vladimir Klos, Associate Ballet Director, State Ballet of Karlsruhe.
The performance was peerless. The choreography, dancing, music, costume, stage, lighting and expressions were all flawless. The story was never boring, provoking the audience with its mixture of classical and contemporary ballet, humorous gimmicks, and bold, Broadway-like gestures that brought it to life.
The Karlsruhe ballet company has a multinational cast, creating a connection with the audience, so they too can become part of the performance.
My favourite scene was when Scrooge danced with the kids. As Keil said, this scene made this version of the Nutcracker among the best in the world. Another highlight was the snow and the prince and princess entering on a sled, a magical sequence. It was this scene coupled with a series of inspirational stories that I heard that filled my heart with happiness.
Christmas came early this year for me and everyone who witnessed this performance.

 

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