Ms. Angela will then lead YOUR students through creative movement exercises. Students will learn basic ballet movement and vocabulary. The program will conclude with a question and answer section with Ms. Angela and the Sugar Plum Fairy. This is a fun and interactive story time for all ages.
Be ready to have your students dancing back to the classroom!
Here is a brief synopsis of the beautiful ballet, the "Nutcracker":
ACT I
Scene 1
The house of a well-to-do family in old Germany
The Silberhaus household is engaged in a merry Christmas celebration. Clara and her brother, Fritz, play with their friends as more guests arrive. Herr Drosselmeyer, Clara’s godfather, arrives to surprise everyone with his magic tricks and dolls. He turns several dolls into life-size Columbine, Harlequin Clown, and Toy Soldiers dancers. Drosselmeyer then produces his special gift for Clara – the Nutcracker. Fritz snatches the doll and breaks the Nutcracker’s jaw. Drosselmeyer binds the Nutcracker for Clara. The party ends and the guests depart. Clara leaves her Nutcracker in a cradle and goes to bed. Herr Drosselmeyer returns after everyone has left and permanently mends the Nutcracker. He places the doll beneath the Christmas tree.
Scene 2
Clara cannot sleep, so she goes to the Nutcracker doll for comfort. She sleeps and in her dreams, hears strange creatures around the Christmas tree. They are giant mice, subjects of the Mouse King! Drosselmeyer appears, and in his magic causes the dream to become more real. Clara bravely confronts the mice, and the now life-sized Nutcracker springs into action. The Nutcracker assembles a squadron of toy soldiers to fight the army of mice and the Mouse King. The tide of battle appears to favor the Mouse King and the Nutcracker is threatened, but at a crucial moment, a daring rabbit pulls the mouse’s tail and Clara throws her slipper at him. The Mouse King is so distracted by his rage that the Nutcracker defeats him.
Scene 3
In the Christmas Forest
Herr Drosselmeyer next uses his magic to bring forth a beautiful Christmas forest. He invites Clara to enter a land of enchanted dreams. The Snow Queen and King and their dancing snowflakes guide Clara through the moonlit countryside to the Kingdom of Sweets.
ACT II
The court of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Kingdom of Sweets
Clara arrives at the court of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Kingdom of Sweets. There, she is met by the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Attendants and then by the Sugar Plum Fairy herself. Beautiful dancers representing many kinds of sweets and peoples dance in Clara’s honor. Dancers in Spanish, Arabian, and Chinese costumes represent chocolate, coffee, and tea. Candy Canes, Toy Flutes and Bon Bon Clowns also dance exciting steps. Finally, the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier dance a special Pas de Deux for Clara. Clara’s dream fades away as the inhabitants dance a grand waltz and bid her farewell.
"NUTCRACKER" and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2009 for students in grades K-4
Time: 9:00 and 10:00 AM (CENTRAL time zone)
Format: 45-minutes formatted into 30-minute presentation, and then 15-20 minute Q & A
Cost: $75 per site
Questions: Chandra Allison, at (615) 322-6511 or email chandra.allison@vanderbilt.edu
REGISTER: http://www.vanderbilt.edu/virtualschool/registration.htmPLEASE register quickly (these sessions fill up fast).
Patsy Partin, M.Ed
Director, Virtual School
Vanderbilt University
2007 Terrace Place
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 322-6384
