The arrival of the Christmas season was heralded last weekend at UB's Center for the Arts with The American Academy of Ballet's performance of Tchaikovsky's classic "The Nutcracker," directed by Maris Battaglia.
Those who found their ways out of the library or away from the mesmerizing glow of the computer screen found themselves surrounded by the holiday spirit and family tradition.
"It brought back some poignant memories with the music and the performance of the kids," said Kerry-Ann Shaw, a 23-year-old UB graduate student.
The adventure begins on Christmas Eve, 1910 with an unexpected visit from Herr Drosselmeyer, a peculiar man who brings a magical nutcracker to his goddaughter, Clara.
The line between reality and fantasy soon blurs as Clara embarks on exciting adventures to exotic islands to meet Santa's elves, journeys under the sea to meet a giant dragon, and to dream worlds where miniature men battle with mice.
Props were limited, though the actors wore intricately beaded and embroidered costumes in crimson red, hunter green, and a bevy of shades in between.
The ballet was narrated to enable children to easily follow the story. Princes and princesses whisked around the world showed the audience a broad selection of dances, including the Russian Dance, the Spanish Dance and the Waltz of the Flowers.
"I've seen the adult version of the show, but I love this. I enjoy this more," said Betty Fultz, who attended the show for the fourth year with her 8-year-old granddaughter.
During intermission audience members mingled enthusiastically as children ran up and down the aisles laughing.
"My favorite part hasn't come yet," said Melanie Johnson, 5, who plans to become a dancer after finishing her figure skating classes. Her favorite part is the dance of the Sugar Plum Faeries, her mother said.
During intermission, Battaglia noted to the audience that the production was nearly canceled due to the events of Sept. 11.
"'The Nutcracker' is part of a holiday season tradition and I felt it was important that all our traditions continue for our children, ourselves and our world," said Battaglia.
The children of the production then performed a delightful rendition of "God Bless America" against an American flag backdrop.
As the ballet came to an end, the performers received a standing ovation as the audience roared its applause. Over the din, the narrator could be heard asking, "Was it really just a dream, or was it a little bit of Christmas magic?" as the curtain closed, leaving the audience to head to bed with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads.
