There have been so many different takes on
Hoffman’s story and, later, Tchaikovsky’s work.
Why is it so malleable?
There have been as many versions of The Nutcracker as
there are companies to perform them. When artists create
work, they make the attempt at putting an individual stamp
on even a classic. This is how we evolve. While the story
remains largely the same, its interpretation is one that many
have tried to revisit, reinvent and rejuvenate since the 1950s.
What makes the Oklahoma City Ballet
production of The Nutcracker so special?
Oklahoma City Ballet’s Nutcracker truly represents the spirit
of tradition. While choreography might change from year to
year, the heart of this show is in its magic. It is very important
in storytelling to thread the dialogue carefully throughout.
This will ensure that we take the audience with us on a
journey into the fantasy of this classic tale.
What is your vision as you lead the Oklahoma
City Ballet forward?
I wish to provide our communities with the highest quality
performance art across the entire spectrum that dance has
to offer. My hope is to encourage, nurture and evolve our
artists into not only stronger dancers, but future leaders and
creators who will pioneer our art form into the future.
Should we expect any changes to this
year’s version?
The production presented this year will be a very straightforward,
traditional rendition. The audience will recognize the
sets, the costumes and nearly all of the characters. They can
expect that Herr Drosselmeyer will be very present throughout,
guiding Clara on her journey. We will add a few new
characters and put everything together to bring the magic
of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score to life.
Why do you think The Nutcracker has endured
for more than a century?
When it first began in Europe, The Nutcracker was considered
a failure. It wasn’t until 1944, when William Christensen
created the first Nutcracker performance in the U.S. for the
San Francisco Ballet, that it began to gain some traction. It
really took off when George Balanchine created his production
for the New York City Ballet in 1954. This is when we
saw the true picture of this iconic ballet and how it would
impact traditions in the U.S. It was a huge hit.
American culture is steeped in tradition around family. The
Christmas holiday represents this in the fullest sense, and
The Nutcracker has woven its way into the fabric of that tradition.
It is a welcoming, family-friendly classic that I believe
will continue to endure for many more generations.
What does it mean for you to be Acting
Artistic Director of the Oklahoma City Ballet
and to be leading the company during the
holiday season?
For me, The Nutcracker is like coming home, and I know
many dancers feel this way. I have performed this ballet for
the last 20 years in many shapes and sizes, and to create my
own is the manifestation of a long-time dream. I am excited
to present my take on this holiday classic and watch families
come together in the theater for a time of joy, togetherness
and harmony.
Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye was named Acting Artistic Director in
January 2022. He joined Oklahoma City Ballet in August
2020 as a Rehearsal Director, working closely with company
dancers and creating choreographer for several works.
