This holiday season, the Brooklyn Ballet presents a reimagined version of the classic ballet, “The Brooklyn Nutcracker,” from December 6 to 14, 2023, at the Theater at City Tech. This production integrates the vibrant culture and traditions of Brooklyn, breathing new life into Tchaikovsky’s beloved score while showcasing diverse dance styles.
Inside the rehearsal studio, the familiar melodies resonate as dancers prepare for their performances. Among them is Tristan Grannum, the ballet’s Director of Community Outreach. Grannum emphasized the importance of evolving beyond traditional forms, stating, “I adore classical ballet, but classical ballet is not the only style that there is in the world.” He advocates for a broader artistic expression that reflects the borough’s rich cultural tapestry.
Inspiration and Innovation
Grannum’s journey into the world of dance began in a public school in Bushwick, where a childhood field trip sparked his passion. “That was the moment where I was like, ‘I can do this on stage? I can dance for people?'” he recalled. This year, he returns to the stage as the Snow King, sharing the spotlight with Miku Kawamura, a dancer he has admired for nearly a decade. Kawamura noted, “Nowhere else can have this, only Brooklyn,” reflecting the unique cultural influences that inform this modern interpretation of “The Nutcracker.”
Described as the city’s most diverse rendition of the classic tale, this production incorporates various cultural elements, including Native American hoop dance, Middle Eastern belly dance, and distinctive street styles from Brooklyn. Artistic director and founder Lynn Parkerson articulated the vision behind the performance, stating, “We use that beautiful music, but we also make some space in it for the flamenco castanets, for an accordion, for the Ukrainian Hopak.”
Building Bridges Through Dance
Under Parkerson’s guidance, the Brooklyn Ballet aims to create a bridge between tradition and innovation. “This ‘Brooklyn Nutcracker’ is a new way to do something while keeping the tradition of ballet beautifully presented and alive and welcoming others into that world,” she explained. Grannum’s personal narrative exemplifies this mission, as he strives to inspire the next generation of dancers through the company’s Elevate outreach program.
The program targets students who may lack access to arts education, providing classroom instruction, subsidized performance tickets, and scholarships. Grannum stated, “I am trying to give back to the students that never necessarily had access to arts education, because at the end of the day, we want to see ballet become more diverse.” Parkerson echoed this sentiment, sharing, “Public school outreach programs changed my life. That’s why I’m doing what I’m doing.”
The Brooklyn Ballet’s “The Brooklyn Nutcracker” promises to deliver an engaging holiday experience that honors the essence of classical ballet while celebrating the diverse culture of Brooklyn. Audiences can expect a performance that intertwines tradition with innovation, inviting everyone to enjoy the beauty and artistry of dance.
