Dorrance Dance | The Nutcracker Suite

About

From the fleet-footed imaginations of tap dance stars Michelle Dorrance and Josette Wiggan, and their collaborator and downtown theater darling Hannah Heller, comes this jazzy new vision of the holiday tradition. Part seasonal concert, part tap ballet, The Nutcracker Suite is a toe-tapping, hand-clapping revelation set to Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s extraordinary arrangement of the Tchaikovsky classic.

The festivities begin with An Ella'quent Holiday Swing, featuring a host of holiday favorites from “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to “Jingle Bells.” “Powerhouse” (The Washington Post) vocalist Aaron Marcellus, Dorrance's incomparable dancers, and special guests bring these songs to life, accompanied by live music.

Then it’s through the glittering curtain to an uptown Christmas party, where this Nutcracker story begins. Whether it’s a tap battle with the Rat King or a big band Waltz of the Flowers—and don’t forget the Soft-Shoe of the Snowflakes—Dorrance and her collaborators offer a joyful riff on beloved material that’s the perfect start to your family’s holiday season.

All ages are welcome at every performance, but young audience members and their grown-ups are especially welcome at our Family Friendly Matinees!

Casting and programming subject to change

Photo by Christopher Duggan