Dorrance Dance: The Nutcracker Suite transforms a beloved holiday classic into a dazzling celebration of American tap and jazz. Set to Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s 1960 jazz reinterpretation of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, this innovative production puts a bold twist on The Nutcracker Suite. The performance features Dorrance Dance, a critically acclaimed company led by MacArthur “Genius” Award-winning choreographer Michelle Dorrance, who masterfully blends traditional tap with contemporary movement.
This one-night-only event, happening on December 12, 2024, at The Soraya in Northridge, California, promises an exhilarating evening where tap shoes take center stage, adding rhythmic complexity and energy to Ellington and Strayhorn’s timeless jazz melodies. Audiences can expect a vivid reimagining of the original ballet, where tap dancers infuse the narrative with their dynamic artistry, casting aside classical pointe shoes for percussive footwork.
Previously celebrated as “the nation’s Nutcracker” in 2023 during its Kennedy Center appearance, this production is more than a holiday performance—it’s a homage to American innovation in the arts. Whether you’re a fan of classic ballet, jazz, or contemporary tap, Dorrance Dance’s The Nutcracker Suite offers an unforgettable fusion of tradition and creativity.
• Location: The Soraya, Northridge, CA
• Tickets and Details: The Soraya
