Washington Contemporary Ballet (WCB) is putting on its rendition of the classic holiday performance of “The Nutcracker” much to the delight of locals of all ages who appreciate impeccably choreographed and staged ballet shows during the holiday season.
Ken Kaiser, director for WCB, affirms that this is a longstanding tradition at the dance school for a reason.
“We’ve been putting it on for 11 seasons. It’s a very accepted holiday classic that a lot of people enjoy seeing. There is lots of appreciation for the musical score and the group of people I work with enjoy it every time we do it.”
Though many local dance schools and theaters in the area are putting on their own versions of “The Nutcracker” locally this winter, Kaiser said his rendition has proven itself over time.
“I developed my story line by George Ballantine’s version. The original from the 1800s is different. We’ve taken the story line and adapted it to our cast. We have exceptionally gifted children that dance, and it’s a perfect showcase to highlight the abilities of our school. We have the talent that just overflows. I have a strong appreciation for what these kids are able to do,” Kaiser stated.
In addition to having an abundance of talent in his tiny dancers, Kaiser affirms that no student is left out of the production, furthering the notion that these children want to perform on the stage and give it their all, leading to tighter, more enthusiastic routines.
“One thing we try to do that’s different is that we make every attempt to include every student in the school that expresses interest (in performing). We have kids that range in age from 3-19. A few 17- and 18-year-olds have been with us since they were 3,” Kaiser said.
The WCB organization as a whole has always been regarded as one of the best classical ballet training grounds in the area. The school won a Reader’s Choice Award for Best Dance School in the South Sound in 2008. Students at WCB are held to a high standard, which usually comes out on stage.
“That’s why we put this show on. We want to give them a chance to show what they do every day of the week. They pull it off almost flawlessly,” Kaiser said.
Each costume worn onstage during a WCB production is made in-house to professional standards and is not your typical catalogue costume. Designers build tutus, bodices and every other piece utilized in the production. The outfits are tailor-made to the theme of whatever piece is being performed during a particular show.
Kaiser also stated that his “Nutcracker” productions are suitable for and enjoyed by people of all ages, making it the perfect holiday activity for the whole family.
“The show is presented in a family type atmosphere…kids like it, mostly because it’s a bright, colorful, cheery type production, but it’s very family-oriented. I’ve never heard negative feedback about our production, which makes me happy.”
Washington Contemporary Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” will take place this weekend, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. at Mt. Tahoma High School’s auditorium, located at 4634 S. 74th St. Tickets are $18 and group rates are available. For tickets and information, call the WCB office at (253) 474-4312 or visit their website at www.wcbdance.org.
