The Kennedy Center Welcomes The Joffrey Ballet's THE NUTCRACKER This Weekend

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts welcomes The Joffrey Ballet (#JoffreyKenCen) for seven performances of Robert Joffrey's THE NUTCRACKER in the Kennedy Center Opera House, this weekend, November 25-29, 2015. The Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra will accompany all performances.

This season's appearance of Robert Joffrey's THE NUTCRACKER is the version's last. The Joffrey Ballet will be introducing a new version of THE NUTCRACKER, commissioned by contemporary ballet choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, in the Company's 2016-2017 season.

Boasting larger-than-life Victorian America scenery and costumes circa 1850, entrancing storytelling, Tchaikovsky's beloved score, and vivid dancing that could only be found in a dream; Robert Joffrey's THE NUTCRACKER brings the holiday season to life. Distinctive from other Nutcrackers, Robert Joffrey's version is based on the ballet's first presentation in America by the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo in 1940, which was Alexandra Fedorova's restaging of the original Petipa version.

The production features colorful sets by Oliver Smith, costumes by John David Ridge, and a giant Mother Ginger puppet created by the late Sesame Street designer Kermit Love, known for creating the Big Bird costume. When The Joffrey Ballet first performed its Nutcracker in 1987, Robert Joffrey's choreography for the first act included a dancer who uses a wheelchair. The position was kept by the Company and each year, The Joffrey Ballet casts the role.

The much-loved ballet includes heroic toy soldiers, sword-fighting mice, a journey to the Kingdom of Sweets, elegant waltzes, folk divertissements, and the delicate Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy -- all through the eyes of a wide-eyed young girl.

Following tradition, dozens of local children from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area will join the Company on stage, while the Arlington Children's Chorus lend their voices to what is heralded as a spectacular Snow Scene, led by a corps of exquisite ballerina-snowflakes who elevate the cold weather season to a wintry delight.

The Joffrey Ballet celebrates its 60th company anniversary in the 2015-2016 season. Classically trained to the highest standards, The Joffrey Ballet expresses a unique, inclusive perspective on dance, proudly reflecting the diversity of America with its company, audiences, and repertoire which includes major story ballets, reconstructions of masterpieces, and contemporary works.

The Company's commitment to accessibility is met through an extensive touring schedule, an innovative and highly effective education program including the much lauded Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, Community Engagement programs, and collaborations with myriad other visual and performing arts organizations.

Founded by visionary teacher Robert Joffrey in 1956, guided by celebrated choreographer Gerald Arpino from 1988 until 2007, The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under internationally renowned Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and Executive Director Greg Cameron.

Tickets range from $55 to $165 and can be purchased at the Kennedy Center box office or by calling Instant Charge at (202) 467-4600. Patrons living outside the Washington metropolitan area may dial toll-free at (800) 444-1324. Performances run tonight, November 25, 7 p.m.; Friday, November 27, 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.' Saturday, November 28, 1 p.m. & 7pm; and Sunday, November 29, 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.

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