City
Dance | Community Garden
| The Chocolate Nutcracker
The
Chocolate Nutcracker is a professional musical stage production
by LaVerne Reed of New York. It is a spin off of the classic
"Nutcracker" ballet that is narrated and features
journeys of Claire, the principal dancer, through several exotic
lands of Mali, West African, Africa, Egypt, Brazil, The Caribbean;
the imaginary lands of Starflight and Dolls/Toyland, as well
as the musical lands of Swing and Jazz. Scenes are performed
in varied dance styles including swing, hip-hop, jazz, ballet,
tap, modern, African and American pop.
"Chocolate"
Nutcracker refers to the type nutcracker Claire is presented
by her Uncle, it is Belgian Chocolate, not a depiction that
the performers are all people of color.
The
participants range in ages 5 years and up. They are recruited
and trained to be in the musical production from the Greater
Birmingham Communities. The Chocolate Nutcracker has an educational
component that educates the youth performers and audience on
diverse cultural heritages as well as the historical culture
and social background of the people. It also includes exploration
of the language, geography, culture, dress, dance, music, history,
and life experiences of the people depicted in various scenes.
Youth participants performing in the production learn where
countries are located, its historical significance and culture,
what traditions, religions or ceremonies influenced the dances,
music and costumes being seen in the production.
Other
components of the Chocolate Nutcracker is that it addresses
Childhood Obesity due to the structured practice schedule and
the performers develop an appreciation of history, culture and
dance while displaying discipline, confidence, self-esteem,
pride and positive images to their peers.
The
Chocolate Nutcracker is a community event with all segments
of the community having some involvement; churches, schools,
recreation centers, youth services agencies, civic groups, local
businesses/corporations and other theatrical groups and choreographers.
Chocolate
Nutcracker Performances:
Event
Date: Friday, November 12, 2010
Boutwell Auditorium - Birmingham, AL
Event
Time: 10:00am - School Matinee
7:00pm - Main Show
Nov 12th - 5:30pm Chocolate Night Gala (Reception
w/all things Chocolate)
Target:
150 - 200 participants (ages 5 and up) 80% of participants will
have no prior dance training or experience
