Seiskaya Ballet’s Nutcracker...Sweet!
I can’t even approach the writing of this article without the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” leaping from synapse to synapse—its infectious, rhythmic charm has become embedded in my gray matter, and to tell the truth, I have no idea when it took up residence there. Needless to say, as the holidays approach, the pull of the Nutcracker has me in its grip: the dreamscape of mice and toy soldiers fighting, shimmering snowflakes, twinkling Christmas trees—they all collide to form a young girl’s adventure on Christmas Eve.
For the last 16 years, the Staller Center at Stony Brook has been transformed by the Seiskaya Ballet into a mystical and magical wonderland for one of the most heralded productions of Nutcracker on Long Island. The production was designed specifically for Staller, according to Dimitri Papadakos, the administrative director of the ballet. “We are the only organization that draws all the dancers and participants from its own organization thus providing continuity of style among the corps de ballet. Unquestionably, the sets, drops and costumes set a new standard,” he said, adding, “Valia Seiskaya’s choreography is unique with a lively pace throughout the production.”
Tickets are on sale now at the Staller Center Box Office at 631-632-ARTS and at www.nutcrackerballet.com. Performances are Friday, December 16 at 7 p.m., Saturday, December 17 at both 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday, December 18 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., and Monday, December 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $40 for adults, $34 children and seniors and $30 for groups of 20 or more.