“The Nutcracker” comes alive when children are invited to actively participate; to become dancers and respond appropriately and musically to each character’s signature music. At the same time, each selection offers an opportunity to expand students’ creative movement vocabulary. One moment, they are Soldier Dolls displaying heavy, strong, tense movements, then quickly transform into Ballet Dolls exemplified by light, gentle and relaxed motions. The rush of energy reflected in the bold and repetitive gestures of the Candy Canes is quickly quieted by the slow, reflective and meandering music for Arabian Coffee which invites sustained and delicate movements that mirror the rise and fall of each phrase. That physical connection, that bond, will serve as a gateway to greater understanding and appreciation. Their engagement will forever be on a more personal and meaningful level. Join us as we dance each character and discover the delight of moving expressively to each of the Movement Exploration themes.
Participants will be introduced to Movement Exploration vocabulary and its application in “The Nutcracker” and will be invited to move expressively with the music for each of the characters in “The Nutcracker.”
View this insightful conversation with Lillie Feierabend.
An Introduction to the Nutcracker
Guide on using the Book
The Basic Nutcracker
Know Your Students
Not Only for Christmas
