Dallas Black Dance Academy (DBD Academy) presents its fourth annual Espresso Nutcracker, with a new twist on a holiday tradition. The performance is jazz-influenced by the music of Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite. Co-Sponsors for the Espresso Nutcracker are Macy’s and the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture.
The single performance is scheduled for Saturday, December 11 at 7 pm in the Majestic Theatre in Dallas, TX. The performance is also available via live streaming and on-demand. Through their sponsorship, Macy’s is sharing virtual viewing access with up to 30 social service agencies and children’s hospitals nationwide. Last year’s initiative allowed over 1,500 youth and families the opportunity to virtually share the holiday experience.
“We are honored to provide support to such an incredible organization, whose impactful work plays a vital role in strengthening and enriching our community,” said Emma Conniff, corporate giving associate at Macy’s. “The holidays are when Macy’s shines the brightest, and we are excited to partner with Dallas Black Dance Academy to spread holiday magic to viewers of all ages.”
DBD Academy Director Katricia Eaglin choreographed Espresso Nutcracker with assistance from the academy ballet instructors of the Pre-Professional Division levels 1-4 students who will perform in the production. Eaglin was inspired to use the traditional Tchaikovsky music along with tracks from Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite, selecting Ellington tracks that were still recognizable to the original work. She added narration to the performance as well as an African dance to the Land of Sweets Act that includes Spanish, Arabian, Chinese, and Russian dances in the original.
“I was inspired to create and produce the Espresso Nutcracker for Dallas Black Dance Academy so our academy students could be involved in the Nutcracker tradition,” said Eaglin. “We’re excited to have our students re-enter the theatre and share how they have grown while training virtually during the 2020-2021 season!”
DBD Academy is the official school of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT), and allows students to learn virtually and in-person. The original Nutcracker Ballet, choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, is one of the most famous ballets in the world and tells the story of young Clara’s magical journey on Christmas Eve.
Many dance academies bring in professionals to dance key Nutcracker roles, but Dallas Black Dance Academy students will dance all the key parts, such as the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Snow Queen. DBDT professional dancers will dance the adult characters of the Mother, Father, and Drosselmeyer.
Dallas Black Dance Theatre is limiting seating capacity to allow for social distancing in accordance with CDC guidelines and because of limited ticket availability, DBDT will not be able to give discounts on groups or subscriptions this year. You can watch the live stream broadcast in real-time beginning at 7:00 pm CDT on Saturday, December 11, while the on-demand option will be available starting at 9:00 pm CDT Saturday through Monday, December 13, 11:59 pm CST.
