Pasadena Dance Theatre’s reimagined production of “The Nutcracker” transforms the classic holiday ballet with ambitious new elements, including authentic Chinese Dragons, Olympic gymnasts, and live choral music. The December production at San Gabriel Mission Playhouse — the very first effort by new Co-Artistic Directors Jean Michelle Sayeg and Eric Shah — interweaves traditional ballet staging with innovative artistic collaborations that honor both cultural heritage and athletic excellence.
Two authentic Chinese Dragons, symbolizing good fortune, strength, and power, will appear in the Chinese dance set to Tchaikovsky’s score. The performance features three soloists and 14 dancers. Master Instructor Kin Lam coached the ensemble in traditional Dragon movements during three extensive training sessions to ensure cultural authenticity in celebration of the Year of the Dragon.
The High Notes of the Pasadena Chorale, under founder and conductor Jeffrey Bernstein, will perform live during the snow scene. The 2024 U.S. National Champion Men’s Four Acrobatic Gymnastics Team will perform in the Russian dance sequence set to Tchaikovsky’s music. The team brings a special connection to the production — both parents of one team member previously danced with Pasadena Dance Theatre.
Arturo Fernandez, former Ballet Master Emeritus of Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet and 30-year mentor to co-artistic director Eric Shah, came out of retirement to choreograph the Arabian dance sequence featuring Tchaikovsky’s Arabian music. International guest artists Matisse Love and Aaron Smyth join the production as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier, performing alongside Pasadena Dance Theatre Alumni and local professionals.
International Ovation Award-winning lighting designer Jared Sayeg (Jean Michelle’s brother) returns to the theatre where his career began.
“Coming back twenty-five years later with my sister and collaborating on the production where we got our start has been a gift,” he said.
The production follows Clara’s journey to the Land of Sweets with her Nutcracker Prince, featuring beloved characters from the Sugar Plum Fairy to the Mouse King.
Performances run December 20-22, 2024, at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse (320 South Mission Drive, San Gabriel), with shows Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. VIP packages include backstage tours, dancer meet-and-greets, photos on the Nutcracker Throne, and Sugar Plum Fairy gift bags.
For tickets, visit https://www.pasadenadancetheatre.org/
