Datebook Pick
'The Nutshell!' A multicultural celebration of Tchaikovsky's 'Nutcracker'
Tony Bravo December 9, 2019Updated: December 10, 2019, 4:34 pm
Mannakin Theater and Dance present "The Nutshell! " a multi-cultural celebration of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker." Photo: Mannakin Theater and Dance
For the third year, Mannakin Theater and Dance present "The Nutshell!" a multicultural celebration of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker" ballet that brings together 20-plus ethnic dance troupes and performance studios from around the Bay Area.
While the original Marius Petipa-choreographed "Nutcracker" dances from 1892 were created in homage to styles identified as Spanish, Arabian and Chinese in the ballet, "Nutshell!" shows authentic examples of dancing from all those cultures and more.
Audience members are also invited to join in the fun on stage. Children can volunteer to play mice, soldiers and angels in the battle scene, while adults are welcome to dance the Waltz of the Flowers. As part of the event, each group is given a short lesson to prepare for the performance.
"The Nutshell": 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13; noon, 5 and 8:30 p.m. (adults only performance) Saturday, Dec. 14. $25-$59. Taube Atrium Theater, Veterans Building, 401 Van Ness Ave., S.F. http://mannakindance.org/nutshell
Tony Bravo
Tony Bravo Tony Bravo is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tbravo@sfchronicle.com
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