Nutcracker returns to Oakland! Laney and the College of Alameda Dance Departments will debut “Nutcracker International” on Friday Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. and Sat. Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. at the Odell Johnson Performing Arts Center on the Laney College campus.
Artistic Director Priya Shah, presents a home-grown Nutcracker centered in Oakland, CA.. “Nutcracker International”, a very new take on a well known holiday tradition, highlights the many communities found in Oakland, including the Aztec, African American, Haitian, Cambodian, Vietnamese, and LGBTQ communities. Choreographer Colette Eloi crafts an original version of the Snow scene using traditional Haitian dance. In an effort to update the ethnic relevance of the various dances featured in the traditional Nutcracker, choreographers Dr. Zak Diouf, and Danny Nguyen re-create Arabian Chocolate (Senegalese Cinq Centimes) and Chinese Tea (Vietnamese Honey Comb Cake, Cambodian Sesame Cookies) dances using traditional West African, Vietnamese and Cambodian dance. Narrator Mama Clara delivers an educational storyline that weaves the magical scenes together and, along with surprise video and special effects, provides an engaging and historical overview of Oakland, CA.
In collaboration with Laney College and the College of Alameda Dance Departments, Laney’s Culinary Arts Department will prepare a smorgasbord of international desserts and holiday treats to compliment the “Nutcracker International” dance suites. These will be deliciously available in the lobby area.
General admission is $15 and $10 for students. Admission is FREE on Dec. 21 with a donation of a wrapped gift for a child under age 10. Tickets are available at the door one hour prior to show time. Santa Claus will make an appearance after the matinee show on Dec. 21. Do not miss this opportunity to celebrate the holidays and enjoy the rich and splendid diversity of Oakland, CA.
For Calendar Listing
Who: Laney College and the College of Alameda Dance Departments
What: “Nutcracker International”
When: Dec. 20 (7pm), Dec. 21 (2pm)
Where: Odell Johnson Performing Arts Center
Why: To celebrate the winter holiday traditions found in Oakland, CA
Contact: Priya Shah, vshah@peralta.edu
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