By Karen Bloom
The holiday season shines brightly with several versions of the holiday classic, along with other activities that are sure to bring out that holiday spirit in everyone.
Here are some of the season’s top picks.
The Nutcracker by Leggz Ltd. Dance
The Rockville Centre-based troupe, along with Rockville Centre Guild for the Arts, presents its annual full-length production, accompanied by the South Shore Symphony Orchestra. It’s the only performance on Long Island with a live 70-piece orchestra.
The production features dancers from the Boston Ballet, Washington Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet, Suzanne Farrell, New York City Opera, Atlanta Ballet, Alvin Ailey, San Francisco Ballet, Movin’ Out, and Jerome Robbins Broadway, along with over 100 young dancers from the metropolitan area.
See the holiday classic Dec. 5-7, at South Side High School, 140 Shepherd St., Rockville Centre. For tickets and information, contact (516) 766-7171.
New York Dance Theatre’s The Nutcracker
New York Dance Theatre’s production, now in its 27th season, is performed in the tradition of the legendary George Balanchine, with guest artists from New York City Ballet and MOMIX, among other troupes. This year’s soloists include New York City Ballet soloist Arch Higgins, Nicole Loizides, principal dancer of MOMIX, and Suzanne Farrell Ballet’s Eric Ragan, among others. In all, a cast of 80 children, semi-professional and professional dancers bring the holiday classic to life.
New York Dance Theatre maintains the Balanchine tradition from storyline through choreography, and sets and costumes. It features original scenes and sequences, created by artistic director Frank Ohman.
The six performances are presented at Hofstra University’s John Cranford Adams Playhouse, Dec. 19-21. For information and tickets, contact (631) 462-0964 or www.ohmanballet.com.
Eglevsky Ballet’s Nutcracker
Long Island’s professional dance company, Eglevsky Ballet, presents its annual spectacular production choreographed by artistic director Ali Pourfarrokh. The company's 24 dancers are joined by guest artists Violeta Angelova, a principal dancer with the New Jersey Ballet, and Momchil Mladenov, a principal dancer with the Suzanne Farrell Ballet, who dance the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier.
Eglevsky’s four performances take place at Tilles Center, Dec. 20-22. For tickets and information, call (516) 299-3100 or www.tillescenter.org.
Still More Nutcracker
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker comes to Queens College’s Kupferberg Center in a dazzling version of the holiday treat. Featuring spectacular sets and extravagantly costumed dancers, with whimiscal and imaginative storytelling, the production has been critically praised for its unique setting of Act I’'s “Land of Peace and Harmony.” It features an ethereal dove that leads Clara and the Nutcracker Prince to a land where there are no wars or suffering and all creatures live in harmony.
The ballet can be seen Sunday, Dec. 28, at Queens College’s Colden Auditorium. For information and tickets, call (718) 793-8080 or www.KupferbergCenterArts.org.
Old Westbury Gardens’
Holiday Celebration
Old Westbury Gardens welcomes visitors to its annual Holiday Celebration. A trip to Westbury House, all decked out in its holiday splendor, is always a treat at this time of year.
The festivities include:
Holiday Celebration – Period rooms are decorated with wreaths, mantelpiece drapes, topiaries, plants, and other horticultural arrangements. Local music groups perform in the Red Ballroom. Bring the kids to share their holiday wishes with Santa. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7, 13-4, 20-21, 10 a.m.4 p.m.
First Night & Tree Lighting – Tour Westbury House, visit with Santa, with tree lighting, and more. The Bethel Caroling Chorale presents concerts at 7:15 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 7-9 p.m.
Tea & Tour – Enjoy a guided tour of Westbury House, followed by tea and light refreshments. Reservations required. Monday through Thursday, Dec. 8-11 and 15-18, 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.
Toast & Tour – Visit Westbury House for an elegant tour, followed by wine and desserts, with holiday entertainment in the Red Ballroom. Reservations are required. Friday, Dec. 12, 6-9 p.m.
For futher information, call (516) 333-0048 or www.oldwestburygardens.org.
