At the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse this weekend, a reimagined “Nutcracker” will showcase not just pirouettes and plies but the intricate movements of traditional Chinese dragons and the gravity-defying feats of Olympic-level gymnasts.
The production marks a new chapter for the 65-year-old Pasadena Dance Theatre, under the leadership of Co-Artistic Directors Jean Michelle Sayeg and Eric Shah.
“We really wanted to engage the community of Pasadena, engage the community of all of the arts organizations in our area,” says Sayeg, whose own journey with Pasadena Dance Theatre began at age eight and led to performances with San Francisco Ballet, then as soloist with State Street Ballet and Smuin Ballet SF at venues including the War Memorial Opera House, Lincoln Center, Hollywood Bowl, and Music Center.
Co-Artistic Directors Eric Shah and Jean Michelle Sayeg.
In what Sayeg describes as a celebration of artistic collaboration, the production features The High Notes of the Pasadena Chorale performing live during the snow scene.
“They are exceptional, just angelic group of singers,” she says of the ensemble led by Founder and Conductor Jeffrey Bernstein.
The variation, set to Tchaikovsky’s Chinese music, showcases two large dragons maneuvered by an ensemble of 17.
“We’re having two large dragons with three soloists and 14 dancers. It’s kind of a spectacular, actually,” Sayeg explains.
Shah adds: “We really wanted to respect culturally how these dragons are moved in their proper technique. And to really honor that, especially in this year of the dragon.”
Master Dragon Movement Coach KIN LAM spent three extensive sessions teaching traditional techniques.
Family ties run deep throughout the production. The U.S. National Men’s Four Acrobatic Gymnastics Team, performing the Russian variation, includes a member whose parents once danced with Pasadena Dance Theatre — where Shah’s wife and Sayeg also danced together years ago.
Former Ballet Master Emeritus of Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet, Arturo Fernandez, emerged from retirement specifically to choreograph the Arabian dance sequence.
“He’s been my mentor for 30 years,” Shah notes.
International guest artists Matisse Love and Aaron Smyth will dance the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier alongside Pasadena Dance Theatre Alumni and local professionals.
“Not only are they absolutely stunning and award-winning dancers, they are the loveliest people as well,” Sayeg shares.
Even the lighting design carries a familial touch: International Ovation Award-winner Jared Sayeg (Jean Michelle’s brother) returns to 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 says.
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.
