Saturday, December 31, 2011

Central Florida Ballet Delights Romania with ‘Nutcracker’


Just over a week ago the Central Florida Ballet concluded its tour to Romania for its award-winning production of “The Nutcracker”.  A large group of thirty-five students, dancers, parents and staff traveled across the Atlantic to bring the magic and joy of the CFB production to Sibiu, Romania (the city of which was named the cultural capital of the European Union in 2007). A total of five performances were held at the ‘Casa de Cultură a Sindicatelor’ where Romanian families saw a modern and American twist to the holiday classic.
Ashton Gordon as Maria in the Party Scene of ‘The Nutcracker’ where dancers try to grab the prized Nutcracker away…

Vasile Petrutiu, Founder and Executive Director, of the Central Florida Ballet says he never doubted the performances would be well-received in Romania… “It was a unique production few have seen in Romania...From the pyrotechnics, sets and backdrops, to the American choreography and nuances along with the impressive technique of our Academy students – the families were astounded by the end of each performance.” The success and acclaim the production received however did take lots of detailed, painstaking preparation.
To bring the production overseas the ballet companies had just barely three months to create the same production more than 5,500 miles away or 24 hours traveling time by airplane. The Teatrul de Balet Sibiu created new backdrops from the designs of Central Florida Ballet’s set designer, Dorin Gal; large and small props were needed including the sleigh, large Owl clock, cannon, couch, puppet carriage; costumes were made for the Waltz of the Flowers and Snow Scene plus many of the Act II divertissement; not to mention preparing the dancers, pyrotechnics, light design nor travel, food, and housing arrangements or even media attention; both companies certainly had their work cut out for them.
A curious mouse appears onstage amongst fog and a sleeping Maria to discover cheese to share with the other mice…
 
Asked if the Central Florida Ballet will return to Romania for more performances, Vasile says “Definitely. It was a great learning experience for our dancers, many of whom have never been out of the United States. It opened their eyes to a new culture and way of living – and a new language! At the same time, the citizens of Romania expanded their view of the American culture likewise.”

Next up for the Central Florida Ballet is “The Enchanted Garden”; a free performance performed by the CFB Studio Company and sponsored by the annual ArtsFest of United Arts of Central Florida. Enjoy an afternoon with your friends at the Trinity Preparatory School where the performance will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, February 19, 2012.

For more information on the Central Florida Ballet and its Academy, visit http://www.CentralFloridaBallet.com or call 407.849.9942.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Nutcracker in Romania: Final Video & Photos

 
Enjoy this exclusive backstage footage from Sibiu, Romania..we are in Act II of The Nutcracker and the Russians are taking the stage to delight the audience...

 A group picture onstage before one of the last performances in Sibiu, Romania..

 Dancers gather for a photo beneath the gigantic Christmas tree in the main plaza of the Sibiu...

 An article in one of the major Romanian newspapers about the first collaboration between the Teatrul de Balet Sibiu and Central Florida Ballet...

Students pose for a photo before warm-up class onstage...

 Dancers and parents enjoy their free day to explore in the city and stop to eat at 'The Gallery'..

 The dancers are purely delighted to see it snow (and not just onstage) on
nearly the last day in Romania...

Just one day until the first performance, the dancers rehearse for the Party Scene...

For more information on the Central Florida Ballet and its Ballet Academy, visit http://www.CentralFloridaBallet.com or Call 407.849.9942.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Nutcracker in Romania: Performance Pictures

Take a look at some of the pictures from the performances in Romania. 
A very special thank you to Anthony Cotter for the photos!

Maria's mischievous brother, Fritz, is chased by the party teens, girls and boys in the Party Scene..

 
 Maria dances in the dream sequence with Prince Nikita. This pas de deux is included only in the Central Florida Ballet's version of 'The Nutcracker'.

 Jealous of Maria's present from Drosselmeyer, the party girls and
boys try to grab the 'Nutcracker' from Maria.

A lone mouse arrives in the house and will soon find some cheese to share with the other mice before Drosselmeyer chases them away...

The Shepherd Doll dance concludes in the Party Scene and Drosselmeyer 
quickly has them disappear with his magic!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Nutcracker in Romania: Take a Tour in Pictures

From December 13 - 22 of 2011, the Central Florida Ballet embarked on its first performance tour of "The Nutcracker". Thirty-five dancers and parents made the trip overseas to Sibiu, Romania where performances were held in collaboration with the Teatrul de Balet Sibiu. From flying overseas, to counting lei (Romanian dollars), communicating with the locals, and traveling the countryside it was truly an experience to remember for a lifetime. Since many of you were not able to join us on the trip, we thought we would bring Romania to YOU! Join us as we take a tour through the pictures below and check back soon for more updates and video! Have a question on our experience? Post a comment below!

The Christmas Market held in the main plaza of Sibiu. Our dancers found many homemade gifts for their friends and family here. During the evenings, traditional Romanian dances were held on a large stage and you could ride bumper cars or take a walk around with a horse! Click Here for a live web cam of the market!



Streets in Sibiu with so much detail. Did you know Sibiu is one of the oldest towns in Romania?

 Dancers: Kailey Withee, Cassandra LeRette, and Margaret MacNeil pose in front 
of one of the many 'Nutcracker' poster sightings around town.

 A close up view of the 'Nutcracker' poster...

 Buildings along the main plaza street...


 Dancers take a moment to relax in the dressing room and form a massage line 
before the fourth 'Nutcracker' performance.

 Side entrance to the theater (known as "Casa de Cultură a Sindicatelor")

 Large poster on the front of the theater. It was huge!
 View from the street below...

Beginning of the Snow Scene..Soloists: Reina Yagura and Bogdan Plopeanu perform the Snow pas de deux. 

The Snow Scene ends with the dancers waving goodbye to Maria and Prince Nikita...