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Now in its 14th season, the 'Share the Magic' is an opportunity for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders and their teachers to attend a fully-professional ballet performance condensed to 75 minutes.B... Read more

Now in its 14th season, the 'Share the Magic' is an opportunity for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders and their teachers to attend a fully-professional ballet performance condensed to 75 minutes.

BIG NEWS: This year, The Nutcracker' will be accompanied by live music performed by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra under maestro Carolyn Kuan!

'The Nutcracker,' is the world's most famous and popular ballet. It tells the story of a young girl, Clara, who receives a toy 'Nutcracker' doll from her magical Uncle Drosselmeyer, at a Christmas Eve party in old Vienna. Later, she falls asleep and dreams of a battle between giant Mice and Soldiers and eventually is transported thru the Land of the Snowflakes to the Land of the Sweets where the Sugar Plum Fairy and Her Prince and dancers from many lands entertain her.

Connecticut Ballet's production has entertained audiences around Connecticut and New England for 30+ year. Narrated by Artistic Director Brett Raphael, students will 'go backstage' as Raphael deconstructs the scenic, costume, and choreographic elements (including illumination & lighting effects on the giant Xmas tree!). Hartford Symphony Orchestra will play signature themes including the famous Sugar Plum Fairy variation from Tchaikovsky's masterful score. After the performance, the principal dancers and the young girl playing Clara will answer questions from the stage.

Connecticut Ballet's production features a diverse cast of male and female dancers and many aspiring (and inspiring) pre-professional children from the Hartford region. Connecticut Ballet's 'Share the Magic' is an exciting field trip to see Connecticut's professional ballet company with live music right here at The Bushnell!

Students will attend a live performance, recount how the choreography moved the story-telling and dramatic action along in this classic holiday ballet, and write about the use of mime and gesture to e... Read more

Students will attend a live performance, recount how the choreography moved the story-telling and dramatic action along in this classic holiday ballet, and write about the use of mime and gesture to embellish the audience's understanding of the narrative.