CFB Artistic Director Reveals First Nutcracker Role & New Surprises

The best holiday present of the year? Our very first interview with the Central Florida Ballet’s Artistic Director, Vladimir Bykov! 

You may have seen him play the mysterious Drosselmeyer in the Central Florida Ballet's The Nutcracker or taken a class from him at the Central Florida Ballet's Academy. Either way, you may be a bit scared of him with his Russian demeanor! Don't worry we are all still a bit scared! : ) We invite you to join us as he discusses the upcoming Nutcracker production, reveals who he would cast to play Drosselmeyer, and shares what surprises he has in store for audiences this December.

Vladimir Bykov as the mysterious Drosselmeyer in the Central Florida Ballet's The Nutcracker. Photo by: Virginia Trudeau & Deedee Sherman ©

When did you first perform in The Nutcracker, and which role(s) did you play? 

In 1988 at the Malyi Theater of Opera and Ballet in Ukraine. It was right after I graduated from the affiliate school. I danced the Spanish couple.

What can we expect new in this year’s performances of The Nutcracker? 

There are many things new. For the person, that sends in the most things they find new, we will give them 2 complimentary Gold Circle tickets to next year's The Nutcracker. Click here for details.

What is your favorite dance in The Nutcracker and why? 

The one everyone looks forward to is the Grand Pas de Deux of the Sugar Plum and the Cavalier. I enjoy this pas de deux since it is a culmination of the ultimate artistry, technique, and professionalism. However, I think every divertissement has their jewels and makes the production truly fantastic.

Guest artists, Irina Dvorovenko and Maxim Belserkovsky of American Ballet Theater, perform the Grand Pas de Deux in the Central Florida Ballet's The Nutcracker. 

Photo by: Virginia Trudeau & Deedee Sherman ©

Do you have any surprises in store for the audience? New magic tricks from Drosselmeyer? 

I would like to have some new tricks, however Vasile cannot raise the budget. If anyone would like to sponsor some new magic tricks please let us know! I would like to add a big magic trick. It costs at least $700+.

What is the most difficult part about preparing the production from casting to studio rehearsals or the performances in the theater? 

The first rehearsal.

Can you reveal some details about the international guest artists in this year’s production? Are there any audience favorites returning? 

We are very fortunate to have Anna Dorosh of the Kiev Ballet and Opera in Ukraine where she is a star and prima ballerina. She is also an Honored Artist of Ukraine, which is the most prestigious award an artist of any genre can be receive. She has danced all over the world, but it will be her first time in Orlando. Returning, we have Dragos Mihalcea of the Royal Swedish Ballet as the cavalier. We have been friends for many years. His technique is exemplary. Our audiences always enjoy his dancing.

Anna Dorosh dancing at the Kiev Ballet and Opera in Ukraine

If you could pick a dancer/artist from anyone in history or the present to play Drosselmeyer, who would you choose? 

Vasile Petrutiu.

If someone has never seen a ballet before, would they enjoy the Central Florida Ballet’s full-length Nutcracker production and why? 

Yes! Since our first show in 2001, we have improved and modified lighting, special effects, costumes, added in small nuances, you name it. It's now at its prime stage. Our Party Scene is much more exciting than others with our kids who are very advanced for their age. We hear all the time people saying they cannot believe what our kids can do. There's the pyrotechnics throughout the show that the guys love, the aerial acrobatics in the Arabian scene that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and there are plenty of other surprises throughout the show. Each year, we also bring many guest artists that keeps the show fresh and exciting.

Christye Alan performs aerial acrobatics in the Central Florida Ballet's The Nutcracker, seen only in CFB's production! 

Photo by: Virginia Trudeau & Deedee Sherman ©

When and where can Orlando see Central Florida Ballet’s The Nutcracker? 

At the Linda Chapin Theater in the Orange County Convention Center. It's right off of International Drive and across from the Peabody Hotel. Park in the West Concourse! Our performances are Saturday, Dec. 22 at 7:30pm and Sunday, Dec. 23 at 2pm. See you all there!

For tickets to the Central Florida Ballet's The Nutcracker onstage at the Orange County Convention Center right off of International Drive from December 22-23, visit http://www.centralfloridaballet.com or call 407.849.9948. 

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NEW EVENT "The Nutcracker Brunch": An interactive Nutcracker Brunch event is also being offered at the Peabody Hotel on Sunday, Dec. 23 before the CFB's matinee performance. Brunch attendees receive 25% off Nutcracker matinee tickets, and have the opportunity to meet popular cast of The Nutcracker while enjoying the Peabody's delicious brunch favorites. Brunch pricing is $35 for adults and $18 for children under the age of 12. More Details on the brunch event.

Find Things New at Nutcracker Contest

We are happy to share our newest contest: "Find Things New at Nutcracker". Central Florida Ballet's Artistic Director, Vladimir Bykov, invites you to take on this fun challenge! Do you dare?


Photo by: Virginia Trudeau & Deedee Sherman

The rules are simple: Submit a paper by mail or send an email with all of the things new you see in this year's Nutcracker production of the Central Florida Ballet. Simply attend a performance and write down all of the new things you saw in the show, but please remember to enjoy the performance!

The winner will be the person with the most correct items new and will win 2 Gold Circle tickets to the Central Florida Ballet's 2013 Nutcracker production!

Example Submission:

Joe Smith, 888-765-8888, jsmith@mail.com

• New costume in a certain dance
• New choreography in a certain dance
• New special effect 
• New prop used 
• ETC
• ETC

Submissions will be accepted from Sunday, December 23, 2012 until Tuesday, January 1, 2013 by email or mail. Your submission must include your name, phone number, and email. Only one submission per person. The Deadline for all entries is January 1, 2012.

MAIL TO: Central Florida Ballet, 3306 Maggie Blvd, Suite B, Orlando, FL 32811

EMAIL TO: kklopfenstein@centralfloridaballet.com, Subject: Find Things New at Nutcracker

This year's Nutcracker performances will be held Saturday, Dec. 22 at 7:30pm and Sunday, Dec. 23 at 2pm at the Linda Chapin Theater in the Orange County Convention Center. Buy tickets at http://www.centralfloridaballet.com or by calling 407.849.9948.

GOOD LUCK! Have questions? Please email kklopfenstein@centralfloridaballet.com

Perfect Holiday Gift Ideas for Friends & Family

Yes, the holiday season has officially arrived and we bet you are searching for the perfect gift for your friends and family. From the gift cards to electronics, the holiday gift giving list can be endless! So to make your search a bit easier, we gathered some unique gift ideas to delight those you care about this holiday season.

#1 Tickets to Central Florida Ballet's The Nutcracker
The Central Florida Ballet brings The Nutcracker to life each year at the Orange County Convention Center. This unique production offers mini-pyrotechnic explosions, aerial acrobatics, and fiber optic special effects, unlike any other in the area. Bring awe and delight to every member of your family with this Nutcracker production which has been nationally featured by CNN, USA Today, and ABC News.

Price: Tickets range from $10-80.  
How to Buy: Buy online at http://www.centralfloridaballet.com/ or call the Box Office at 407.849.9948. Performances will be held Saturday, December 22 at 7:30pm or Sunday, December 23 at 2pm.
Best part: Wonderful memories to remember for years to come! An experience at the Central Florida Ballet's Nutcracker is unlike anything else.


#2 Nutcracker Holiday Brunch at the Peabody Hotel
The Peabody Orlando and Central Florida Ballet present an interactive brunch experience, on Sunday, December 23 from 11:30am-1:30pm, featuring the cast from the acclaimed performance of The Nutcracker. Brunch guests will have the opportunity to meet the cast and take photos while experiencing the hotel’s renowned cuisine before attending the Central Florida Ballet's The Nutcracker. Brunch guests will receive 25 percent off matinee tickets to The Nutcracker performance on Saturday, December 23.

Brunch Pricing: $35 Adults, $18 children under the age of 12 (Reservations are required)
How to Buy: Call 407.849.9948 for brunch and performance tickets. For Brunch only, please call 407.345.4570. 
Best part: Delicious food, catching up with friends & family, and meeting characters from the Central Florida Ballet's The Nutcracker up-close! 


# 3 Nutcracker Boutique Gift Shop

The Nutcracker Boutique is held in the lobby right beside the Linda Chapin Theater and is open 45 minutes before each performance, during intermission, and directly after the performance. The search is on for your most-wanted item, which makes a great souvenir from the show.

Price: $5-40 an assortment of items will be offered 
How to buy: The Nutcracker boutique will be held in the lobby right beside the Linda Chapin Theater before, during, and after the performances on Saturday, December 22 and Sunday, December 23.  
Best part: From wooden Nutcrackers to delicate ornaments to exquisite jewelry, the Nutcracker boutique is sure to bring great stocking stuffers!


#4 Nutcracker Silent Auction
Discover and battle Nutcracker style for the best gifts - vacation getaways, massages, jewelry, paintings, and much more. Your generosity benefits the Central Florida Ballet's 2012/13 Season and the unique gift will bring sheer delight to your recipient.

Price: $10-1,500
How to buy: The Silent Auction will be held in the lobby right beside the Linda Chapin Theater on Saturday, December 22 from 6:30-7:30pm and Sunday, December 23 from 1-2pm. 
Best part: Finding the perfect gift for your loved one and generously supporting the Central Florida Ballet's 2012/13 Season at the same time! It's a win-win!


#5 Adult Class Card to the Central Florida Ballet's Academy
Ballet is not just for The Nutcracker. Share the joy of dance with your friends after the holiday season with an adult class card to the Central Florida Ballet's Academy. Adult classes are offered for Beginners to Advanced.

Price: $36 for 4 classes, $48 for 6 classes, or $90 for 12 classes (Each class card is valid for one month from the date issued)
How to buy: Please call the Central Florida Ballet Academy at 407.849.9942. Click here for the Adult class schedule.
Best part: Keep ballet coming all year long. 


For more information on the Central Florida Ballet, please visit http://www.centralfloridaballet.com or call 407.849.9948.

CFB Teacher Competes on Jeopardy! (Airing Nov 12)

The Central Florida Ballet is pleased to announce our very own Tina Baybay-Bykov will compete on the national game show: JEOPARDY! (airing November 12).

About Mrs. Tina Baybay-Bykov: A guest instructor of the Central Florida Ballet, she most recently taught Advanced Ballet and Dance History during the Academy's 2012 Summer Program. She currently teaches advanced placement European history and world history at Boone High School in Orlando, Florida and is also the wife of CFB's Artistic Director, Vladimir Bykov. 

About her Experience: She was selected to compete after taking an online test, followed by in-person auditions, another test, a mock game and an interview. She had been trying to land a spot on the show for three years. After learning she was selected, she practiced daily by watching Jeopardy (using a pen as a clicker) and was also quizzed by family and friends.

Baybay-Bykov traveled to Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California to tape the tournament on October 1st and 2nd. She is one of 15 educators nationwide selected to compete in the 3rd annual Teacher Tournament episodes.

 

What was her reaction when she found out she was selected?  “I got the phone call inviting me to compete on the first day of OCPS pre-planning and was overjoyed."”

What happens if she wins the $100,000 prize? 
“My students are asking if I win if I’ll quit,” she said. “Why would I do that? I love teaching, I like working with teenagers.” 

"Jeopardy!” airs at 7 weeknights on WFTV-Channel 9. 

Tune in on November 12th to see Baybay-Bykov compete.

Nutcracker Countdown: Days to Go!

The countdown is officially underway for The Central Florida Ballet's Nutcracker, one of the most popular nationwide, and taking center stage in the greater Orlando area!

COUNTDOWN FOR WEBSITE

About CFB's The Nutcracker

Saturday, Dec. 22 at 7:30pm | Sunday, Dec. 23 at 2pm

Linda Chapin Theater in the OCCC

The Central Florida Ballet's Nutcracker production has become known as one of the “most entertaining” nationwide. Taking a hint from area theme parks, the Central Florida Ballet uses unique aerial acrobatics, thrilling pyrotechnics, and special effect fiber optics to delight audience-goers. This internationally acclaimed production has taken the national spotlight with attention from ABC Nightline News, USA Today, CNN, and the Wall Street Journal. Be sure to join us for this must-see event! Watch a Video Preview.

Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.centralfloridaballet.com/ or by calling the Box Office at 407.849.9948. 

Blog Special Offer: Save 10% off your order when you mention the "CFB Blog". Offer valid by phone only until November 8, 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!

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 22^nd at 7:30pm and December 23^rd 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/