How It Started, How It’s Going
In 2020 when we were on zoom and missing performance opportunities, Danspace created our first ever Virtual Nutcracker Project. We included our students in Ballet 1 and up to learn a dance, have it recorded via zoom, and then we put together a video of Nutcracker variations narrated by our founder, Beth Hoge, to share via zoom with our families and friends.
In 2021 and 2022 we did the same format of rehearsing, recording and sharing a virtual film but this time included our Serendipity and Pre-Ballet classes (what fun! They loved being a part of the magic).
By 2023 we are weary of recording, editing and zooming so we decided to give our students a Nutcracker Experience, one that includes learning a class dance and sharing with family and friends for a parent observation day.
Additionally, we saw a performance opportunity for our teen students enrolled in the Repertory Ensemble class and introduced our first Nutcracker Storytime performance in November/December 2023 and in 2024 we expanded the experience by inviting students enrolled in Ballet levels 1 – 3 to participate.
Goal
Introduce our students to the Nutcracker story ballet in an age appropriate setting, culminating in a small, in-studio performance that will help to facilitate a love of performing an understanding of the performance process for our older students.
Nutcracker Project 2024
This year we invited some of our enrolled students to participate in Danspace’s “Nutcracker Storytime,” a performance opportunity in the studio. Through our rehearsal process, we learn variations from The Nutcracker and build performance experience, including costumes changes, backstage etiquette, and transition and flow between dances that is unique to performance.
All are welcome to attend the performances, but we particularly invite the families of our younger students. Our hope is to inspire all of our students by seeing where a commitment to dance education can take you.
Thank you for all the support you provide to our students and school!
Support Danspace
We’re offering this opportunity at no additional cost for our students and our audience. If you would like to help us continue to invest in this program, please consider a donation (links and options below).
Support Danspace directly! Please note: these contributions are NOT tax deductible. If you have questions, please contact us.
- $25 contribution (click to pay online)
- $50 contribution (click to pay online)
- $100 contribution (click to pay online)
- If you would like to donate a different amount, please contact us!
- You may also send a check to the studio if you prefer.
Danspace presents
Nutcracker Storytime Performances featuring our Repertory Ensemble and students from the Youth Division.
Join us in celebrating the Nutcracker season!
A Nutcracker experience for friends and family, age 3.5 and up.
Storytime performances held at Danspace, 473 Hudson Street, Oakland 94618
Saturday, November 9 at 1:30pm
Saturday, November 16 at 1:30pm
The storytime performance is 30 minutes in length; this includes a reading of the Nutcracker story, a performance by the Ensemble and a chance for the audience to freestyle dance to Nutcracker music.
The History of Danspace’s Nutcracker Project
We launched the Nutcracker Project during the pandemic as a way to explore our favorite season (Nutcracker Season) during a time of distancing. Learn more below.
Virtual Nutcracker Project 2021
Nutcracker Sweet: Dances from The Nutcracker
Each year we look forward to participating in two local Nutcracker performance opportunities with Oakland Ballet School and Oakland Ballet Company. While we are still adjusting to guidelines and safety for the pandemic, our usual Nutcracker performance opportunities are not available.
Once again, Danspace is working on a virtual Nutcracker Project where our Children’s, Youth and Adult Division students are learning choreography for a dance film that we put together for our students and their families to view in December. We are thankful that rehearsals can take place in person this year. Participants will be email their rehearsal and recording scheduled.
As the culmination of the project will be a film, a viewing date will be announced soon but you will have flexibility for when you choose to watch it if the viewing date conflicts with other scheduling. Stay tuned for more details.
The Nutcracker ballet is a part of every dancer’s training, whether it is participating in performances each year or going to see a performance at the theater. We are pleased to be able to provide our students with a Nutcracker experience to further their training and enjoyment of dance.
With that in mind, this project involves a good amount of behind the scenes work for planning and executing the rehearsals, costuming and recording, editing of film files and putting everything together for our audience. We appreciate any contribution to our programming to make this a success!
Virtual Nutcracker Project 2020
Thank you for joining us on this experiment!
Reserve Your Virtual Tickets
Join us for a Danspace virtual showing of the Virtual Nutcracker Project
Saturday, December 19
3pm PT
Please RSVP for the zoom link by 12/19 at 10am PT
COVID-19 and shelter-in-place took all of us by surprise, requiring us to use our creativity to adapt to this new normal.
In that spirit, Danspace has embarked on a Virtual Nutcracker Project. Inspired by the story and music of the Nutcracker, Danspace students of all ages are collaborating with our faculty to create a Nutcracker Dance Film, to be presented in December 2020.
Interested in participating as an audience member?
We’re planning to welcome our participating dancers’ families and friends to a virtual performance in December. If you have any questions, please contact us.
