November 23, 2011 — Artistic director Erika Overturff and cast members of ‘The Nutcracker’ visited KMTV’s ‘Morning Blend’ show today to give the hosts and viewers a preview of American Midwest Ballet’s upcoming production of the classic holiday ballet. Erika talked about why there are so many versions of the ballet, and how this diversity gives each choreographer — including herself — a chance to apply a personal interpretation to the production.
Ashley Brown and Hannah Liu, who share the role of Clara, joined Erika in the interview, talking about what they enjoy about their part in the production.
‘Morning Blend’ co-host Mary Nelson — who also performed in a production of ‘The Nutcracker’ as a child — will be appearing in American Midwest Ballet’s production as a guest in the party scene, so Erika gave her a preview of some of what she will see. Company dancers Sasha York, Bret Samson, and Kelsey Schwenker were on hand for an in-studio performance of the scene in which Clara’s Uncle Drosselmeyer “brings to life” a dancing ballerina doll who performs for the party guests.
In case you missed the Morning Blend segment, you can see it by clicking the player below (HTML5-compatible browser required:)
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