This holiday season, the Brooklyn Ballet presents a fresh interpretation of a cherished classic with “The Brooklyn Nutcracker.” Running from December 6 to 14, 2023, at the Theater at City Tech, the production integrates the rich cultural fabric of Brooklyn into the beloved story, offering a vibrant and diverse performance.
Inside the ballet’s rehearsal studio, the familiar melodies of Tchaikovsky resonate as dancers prepare for their roles. Among them is Tristan Grannum, the ballet’s Director of Community Outreach. Grannum emphasizes the importance of evolution in dance, stating, “I adore classical ballet, but classical ballet is not the only style that there is in the world.” He encourages audiences to embrace this innovative approach, remarking on the need for the art form to reflect a broader spectrum of cultural influences.
Grannum’s journey into ballet began in a public school in Bushwick, where a childhood field trip sparked his passion for performance. He recalls, “That was like the moment where I was like, ‘I can do this on stage? I can dance for people? I can get paid to do this?'” This year, he returns to the stage as the Snow King, sharing the spotlight with Miku Kawamura, a dancer he has respected for nearly a decade. Kawamura highlights the uniqueness of the production, stating, “No where else can have this, only Brooklyn.”
The Brooklyn Nutcracker has been recognized as the city’s most diverse rendition of the classic tale. The production incorporates elements from various cultural traditions, including Native American hoop dance, Middle Eastern belly dance, and styles rooted in Brooklyn’s vibrant street culture. Artistic director and founder Lynn Parkerson explains the blending of musical styles, noting, “We use that beautiful music, but we also make some space in it for the flamenco castanets, for an accordion, for the Ukrainian Hopak.”
Under Parkerson’s guidance, the ballet seeks to create a bridge between the traditional and the contemporary. She describes this iteration of “The Nutcracker” as “a new way to do something while keeping the tradition of ballet beautifully presented and alive and welcoming others into that world.”
Grannum’s commitment to accessibility in the arts is evident in his work with the company’s Elevate outreach program. This initiative aims to provide ballet education to students who might not otherwise have such opportunities. “I am trying to give back to the students that never necessarily had access for arts education, because at the end of the day, we want to see ballet become more diverse,” he explains. The program includes classroom instruction, subsidized performance tickets, and scholarships for aspiring young dancers.
Parkerson echoes the importance of outreach, sharing, “Public school outreach programs changed my life. That’s why I’m doing what I’m doing.” She highlights how exposure to professional dancers can ignite passion and interest in the art form.
“The Brooklyn Nutcracker” promises to be a festive celebration that not only entertains but also showcases the cultural richness of Brooklyn. As the holiday season approaches, audiences can look forward to a performance that honors tradition while embracing innovation.
