The Hip Hop Nutcracker: A New Twist on a Holiday Classic

The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a new twist on a holiday classic. This ballet is set to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and features a diverse cast of characters. The story follows Maria-Clara as she is transported to a hip hop club on Christmas Eve. There she meets the Nutcracker, who helps her save the day. This ballet is a must-see for any hip hop or ballet fan.

Introduction

This holiday season, The Hip Hop Nutcracker will bring a new twist to a beloved classic. Set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music, The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a contemporary dance spectacle full of thrilling hip hop choreography, stunning visuals, and a joyous story.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker tells the story of Maria-Clara and her prince as they discover true love at a holiday party. But when the party’s host, Drosselmeyer, presents them with an enchanted nutcracker doll, their adventure begins. Join Maria-Clara and her prince as they travel through time and space on a wondrous journey to the Kingdom of Sweets, meeting colourful characters along the way.

With eye-popping costumes and sets, dazzling choreography, and Tchaikovsky’s exhilarating score performed live by a full orchestra, The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a must-see event for the whole family!

What is the Hip Hop Nutcracker?

The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a contemporary re-imagination of Tchaikovsky’s timeless music and a unique blend of classic ballet, hip hop, and urban dance styles. On stage, a dozen all-star dancers, an on-stage DJ, and an electric violinist bring the traditional Nutcracker story to life in a fresh and vibrant way. Led by acclaimed Hip Hop choreographer Emilio Sosa, the show celebrates love, community and the magic of Christmas time in a two-act show that features Tchaikovsky’s immortal melodies set to hip hop beats,

The Hip Hop Nutcracker has rapidly become a holiday classic in its own right, having been performed over 500 times in over 70 US cities and 20 countries worldwide since its debut in 2010. Each performance features a diverse cast of young dancers from the local community, giving the show an inclusive message of love and unity that is especially relevant during the holiday season.

A New Twist on a Holiday Classic

The Hip Hop Nutcracker, a fresh take on Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, is set to the music of legendary rapper and producer Kurtis Blow, and features a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and a live drummer.

The score also includes contemporary renditions of holiday classics like “The Little Drummer Boy” and “We Three Kings.”

“People are going to see some of their favorite dancers from So You Think You Can Dance and other shows,” says Mike Fitelson, one of the producers of The Hip Hop Nutcracker. “It’s going to be a really high-energy show.”

The Hip Hop Nutcracker will be touring the country this holiday season, with stops in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and more.

The Music of the Hip Hop Nutcracker

The music of the Hip Hop Nutcracker is a fresh take on Tchaikovsky’s classic score, featuring new arrangements and remixes of the original music by acclaimed DJ and producer, Kurtis Blow. The Hip Hop Nutcracker orchestra is comprised of a dozen young musicians performing on violin, viola, cello, and bass, with Benjamin Belew on electric guitar. Rounding out the orchestra are two dozen all-star dancers, featuring hip hop legends like Legion from America’s Best Dance Crew as well as rising stars from Complexions Contemporary Ballet and other top dance companies from around the world.

The Choreography of the Hip Hop Nutcracker

The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a contemporary dance adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s timeless classic, set to the famed composer’s sublime score and infused with hip hop culture. The show features a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and digital scenery projected onto a giant LED screen.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker premiered in 2010 and has been performed annually in New York City since 2012. The show has also played in major US cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, Miami, and San Francisco. In 2015, the show embarked on its first international tour, playing to sold-out audiences in China.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker is produced by Kurtis Blow and Russell Simmons’ All Def Digital production company in partnership with Erika Rose Productions.

The Dancers of the Hip Hop Nutcracker

The dancers of the Hip Hop Nutcracker are a talented and diverse group of performers who bring the story of the classic ballet to life through their unique style of dance. The ballet is set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, and features original choreography by Mike Fitelson.

The cast of dancers includes some of the most accomplished hip hop dancers in the world, as well as a live DJ and MC. The performance is an electrifying blend of high energy dancing, pyrotechnics, and original music.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker has been praised by critics and audiences alike, and has been hailed as a “must-see” holiday event.

The Costumes of the Hip Hop Nutcracker

While the original ballet is performed in traditional nutcracker costumes, the Hip Hop Nutcracker updates the look with modern streetwear. The men wear baggy jeans, hoodies, and sneakers while the women are in skirts or dresses with leggings. The character of Clara is usually dressed in a white tank top and jeans with a red scarf, representing the traditional red and white colors of Christmas.

The Set of the Hip Hop Nutcracker

The Hip Hop Nutcracker is set in contemporary New York City. The story follows Maria-Clara and her “Nutcracker” prince as they travel through time and visit different places in New York, including a rap battle in Times Square and a break dancing battle on the Brooklyn Bridge. Along the way, they are helped by some of the most famous hip hop dancers in the world, including Jabari Timmons, who plays the role of Herr Drosselmeyer, and Dyane Harvey-Sampson, who plays the role of Clara’s mother.

Conclusion

The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a fun, fresh take on a holiday classic. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit, and it’s sure to get your whole family moving. Whether you’re a fan of hip hop or not, this is a show that you won’t want to miss.