George Balanchine:
”The Nutcracker”
Royal Danish Ballet
“The Old Stage”
Friday, November 26, 2021
When Artistic Director of the Royal Danish Ballet, Nikolaj Hübbe planned the 10th Christmas run of George Balanchine´s “The Nutcracker”, nobody could say that the he was not prepared.
For the 2011 version, he even decided that a significant number of female principals and soloists all got the chance to dance some of the leading roles. However, the plan failed. Dancers who was casted as the leads and character roles booked out at a late stage. Luckily, there was dancers who could take over some of the roles.
Principal Jonathan Chmelensky found himself taken over as both Drosselmeyer and the Sugar Plum´s cavalier. A job that also needed several changes of different colors of headwear. Recent appointed principal, Wilma Giglio was supposed to be the Sugar Plum at the first night but found herself in the smaller role as the Coffee fairy.
The changes also made winners, most importantly Soloist Stephanie Chen Gundorph, who performed an outstanding “Sugar Plum Fairy”. Chen Gundorph has been in the line to greater roles in some years. It was a treat to see her on the highest level.
Strong Line Up
The first act focused as usual on the Christmas celebration at the Staelbaum family Christmas celebration. I noted that several of the male dancers had reached a higher level of their dramatic skills. In all a very fine performance all round also including the children. The well-known dramatic skills of the RDB Company made sure that every opportunity was used from mouse to flowers.
I have lot of praises for the dancers, the Royal Chapel, and the fine decors. However, although created by George Balanchine, it is what it is. Yes, still better than many other productions of “Nutcrackers”, it is not Balanchine at his best. The NYCB “Nutcracker” is an important part of keeping NYCB a flood.
Contrary the Royal Danish Ballet does not really depend on the Christmas runs same as NYCB as the RDB have public founding. While “The Nutcracker” is an important part to fund NYCB, RDB do not need “The Nutcracker”.
Well that was my view until last night. The second performance managed to not only to bring the Christmas spirit to the performance. Led by leading prima ballerina Ida Praetorius as “Sugar Fairy” and partner Principal Alban Lendorf in his first appearance on stage for a significant time, due to a long absence based an injury that had kept him out for a prolonged period. The duo really displayed their excellent skills and partnership.
Lady Abroad
Ida Praetorius will spend most of the 2022 season performing abroad, including “Hamburg Ballett”. At present RDB, the company will therefore be down to four principal ballerina´s until Ida Praetorius returns.
It is therefore a blessing that soloists Stephanie Chen Gundorph and Emma Riis Kofoed are developing their skills and both made outstanding performances. Last night’s performance also displayed a strong performance by Silvia Selvini in the Marzipan segment.
Principal Gregory Dean also delivered a strong performance as Mister Drosselmeyer. Soloist Tobias Praetorius gave all his energy and skills as “Candy Cane”. In all most dancers proved their talent.
It may look like I have laid down my previous views on “The Nutcracker”. Yes, it was a great performance allover. However, I still believe that the Royal Danish Ballet should perform fewer “Nutcrackers” and give more space to other stronger and more artistic productions. As it is now, the annual run of “Nutcracker” take the space from other outstanding performances.
I am all for more Balanchine performances. Over the years, it has proved that the RDB can perform Balanchine and Robbins on a very high standard. Christmas is a lovely time, but please give more space to the artist George Balanchine. This is my Christmas wish.
Photo Copyright (c) Henrik Stenberg
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