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30 November 2005
A Nutcracker based on the original Russian version
2 of 3 found this helpful Mikhail Baryshnikov's Nutcracker, choreographed for American Ballet Theater when he was its artistic director, was one of the first to challenge the hold that Balanchine's New York City Ballet Nutcracker had on the ballet-goers of New York. This Mr. B. cast the sublime Gelsey Kirkland (formerly of NYCB) to dance the part of Clara (instead of a child) and gave her an indeterminate age, somewhere on the brink of womanhood. It is a more of a psychological ballet, delving into Clara's emotions and her awakening sexuality.
The choreography is closer to the original Russian Nutcracker which had its debut in St. Petersburg, Russia, at the Maryinsky Theater, in 1892. Marius Petipa’s assistant, Lev Ivanov, set most of the choreography, and much of it is still apparent in Baryshnikov's modified version on this video which has been made into a DVD.
It is one of the few chances to see Gelsey Kirkland dance, as there were very few videos made of her performances.
I recommend it to those who are interested in something different from the New York City Ballet's video version (featuring McCauley Culkin), and, especially to those of you who like to make comparisons between different Nutcrackers (a hobby of mine, I confess!). It is a good DVD to have in your ballet collection.