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.
