Saturday, October 20, 2012

Behind the Curtain: Costume Style



From party girl dresses to the elaborate design of Chinese costumes, months of preparation go into readying the countless costumes of the Central Florida Ballet's annual Nutcracker.  We invite you to discover what goes on behind the curtain with - Mrs. Debby Williams. She takes the role of CFB's Wardrobe Coordinator every year for this beloved-holiday tradition. 

In our first edition of "Behind the Curtain - Costume Style", Mrs. Williams discusses how she prepares for The Nutcracker and reveals her favorite costume.

1. How far in advance do you start preparing for The Nutcracker? 
I actually begin thinking about next year's Nutcracker during this year's production. As I watch the rehearsals and see the dancers in their costumes, I notice what costumes are beginning to look tired and worn. Then I already have an idea what we need for next year. In the summer, I start gearing up for the mad rush toward Nutcracker season.

2. How many costumes do you have in storage? 
Oh, my!  I’m not sure, but there are hundreds!
A sneak peek into the Central Florida Ballet's costume room...lambs, bon-bons, and soldiers costumes are ready to be tried on new Nutcracker cast members

3. What is the process of fitting dancers for costumes? (From measurements to the stage..)
During Nutcracker auditions, all the dancers who come to try out are measured.   After casting, I try the costumes on each of the dancers and then make alterations as necessary.  If a brand new costume is made for someone, then there will be several fittings to make sure the size is correct and the costume is comfortable for dancing.  The costumes must be durable and well-made in order for them to withstand all the turning, stretching, lifting, and movement from the dancers.  We also want to be able to use the costumes for several years, so it is important that they aren’t flimsy.   

4.
Do you have a favorite costume? 
That’s a hard question because so many of them are gorgeous, but I guess I am partial to the Spanish because they are bold and bright and beautiful.

5. Are you working on revamping or creating any new costumes this year?
Right now I am working on sprucing up the Waltz costumes to make them last a little longer and look a little more colorful on stage.   

Mrs. Debby Williams concentrates as she sews and adjusts a tutu for the Waltz of the Flowers dance. 

6. What do you think is the most important part of your job?
I see my job as making every single person, from the Treat Carriers to the Sugar Plum Fairy, feel comfortable and confident in their costumes so they can concentrate on dancing and doing a great job on stage.  I want all the dancers to be dressed beautifully and appropriately for their particular part, and for each of them to feel like they are important to the production, because they are!

7. Where do you find your fabric and what inspires you when creating new costumes? 
I love looking at fabric, and I go out of my way to browse fabric shops whenever I can.  I also watch other productions of the Nutcracker or look at pictures on the internet to get ideas.   It’s fun to go see other Nutcracker productions and see what their costumes are like.  

8. Was there a time when you thought a costume would not be ready or some other mishap that happened right before a show?
Every year I think I am not going to get everything done.  The closer it gets to Nutcracker time, the less sleep I get.  My friends bring me coffee and then hang out and help me sew, mend, glue, and iron.  I definitely could not do it by myself.  I am very grateful for the many willing and efficient volunteers who do whatever I ask, and do it with a smile!   As far as mishaps, one year during a show, Drosselmeyer’s eye patch broke and I had about 30 seconds to take a few stiches to repair it before he had to rush back on stage.  Another year, the zipper broke on a dancer’s Chinese costume and I had to whip-stitch it closed as she quickly dashed off to go on stage.  Ultimately, it seems like everything works out, and I try to learn from experience how to make the next year better.
It can't be work all the time! Mrs. Debby Williams chats with friends and the CFB School Director while discussing changes for the Waltz of the Flowers tutus.

Discover which costume you love the most and see them in all their glory when the Central Florida Ballet takes center stage at the Orange County Convention Center on Saturday, Dec. 22 and Sunday, Dec, 23. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.centralfloridaballet.com/.

Be sure to check back soon for an update from Mrs. Williams!

Monday, October 8, 2012

Taking a hint from area theme parks, CFB's Nutcracker Returns to OCCC



Orlando, Florida, USA - Taking a hint from area theme parks, the Central Florida Ballet is gearing up for one of its ‘most entertaining’ performances of the year: The Nutcracker taking center stage in Linda Chapin Theater at the Orange County Convention Center on December 22nd at 7:30pm and December 23rd at 2pm. 


Photo by: Virginia Trudeau & Deedee Sherman

Using thrilling pyrotechnics, unique aerial acrobatics, and special effect fiber optics in its production; the Central Florida Ballet (CFB) has garnered attention from ABC Nightline News who filmed CFB’s Nutcracker for a national feature in 2011 and earned recognition from the Wall Street Journal for “delivering aerial acrobatics and mini-explosions”. Becoming accustomed to the national spotlight, the production is also labeled “The Pyrotechnic Nutcracker” in the USA Today and recognized as “one of five outstanding productions in the entire nation” by CNN Headline News. 

These unique touches make The Nutcracker ‘come to life’ for audience-goers says the Central Florida Ballet’s founder & executive director, Vasile Petrutiu. “By adding such thrilling elements ballet audiences do not normally see, you become truly immersed in the story. Making it a crossover between the best of ballet and an entertainment show combined.”

Amongst glowing national recognition, this full-length, professional production will feature Dragos Milhacea of the Royal Swedish Ballet among Anna Dorosh of Kiev Ballet in Ukraine. This year will mark Dorosh’s debut in Orlando while Mihalcea will make a much-anticipated return having previously performed with the Central Florida Ballet in The Nutcracker and Giselle.

Above all the glitz and glamour, Petrutiu’s production of the Nutcracker is about having a good time. Two popular events complementing the ‘Nutcracker experience’ are: The Nutcracker Holiday Brunch held in partnership with the Peabody Hotel. This event hosted before the Sunday Matinee will offer families the opportunity to enjoy a Meet & Greet with characters from the Nutcracker while delighting in the Peabody’s delicious brunch favorites and warm hospitality. The second event, the Nutcracker Silent Auction, will return for two days this year to raise funds for the 2012/13 season and offering unique, last-minute holiday gift opportunities for family and friends.

“It’s about not just watching the dancing; it’s becoming a part of the fun. Not everyone is born with the ability and coordination to dance,” Petrutiu explains. “But everyone can certainly enjoy it and pass on this fantastic holiday experience to each generation”.

Tickets are priced at $80 for “VIP” package, $48 for “Gold Circle”, $36 for Section A, $24 for Section B and $10 for Section C and may be purchased by calling 407 849-9948 or at http://www.centralfloridaballet.com/

Performances will be held only at the Linda Chapin Theater in the Orange County Convention Center.

For more information about the Central Florida Ballet please call 407-849-9948 or visit their web site at http://www.centralfloridaballet.com/