Wheatland Dance Theater Proudly Presents Their 2015 Nutcracker

Let’s Get Crackin’!

A dance company in Plainfield is taking “The Nutcracker” back to its European roots.

As we draw nearer to the holiday season, you might be interested in taking your family to see a classic ballet performance of The Nutcracker. Alas, there are many versions of The Nutcracker story out there. Wheatland Dance Theater, a non-profit dance company based in Plainfield, is introducing a new twist to the story. At least it would appear to be a new twist to the average American.

Wheatland Dance Theater’s Artistic and Executive Director, Corinne Emmenegger, does not see this “new” version as a twist at all. In fact, this is how The Nutcracker story was commonly told in her native country, Switzerland. Inspired by her European traditions, she has long awaited to produce a Nutcracker show that takes the story back to its roots. In 2013, Corinne Emmenegger retired from professional dancing and opened her own dance studio, Plainfield Dance Academy. What is sure to become a local holiday tradition, this December will be Wheatland Dance Theaters second production of The Nutcracker. It will showcase the amazing talents of 70 students from Plainfield Dance Academy.

This version is nothing less than spectacular. During the opening, you will experience the enchanting party at the Stahlbaums’ home on Christmas Eve. The party scene flows with such happiness, the audience will find themselves reminiscing on personal moments of joy with close family and friends. After saying goodbye to the guests and getting ready for bed, Clara sneaks back into the party room to find her gift from Uncle Drosselmeyer, a beloved Nutcracker. Under the Nutcracker’s watchful eyes, she falls into a deep sleep and begins a magical dream. Young Clara transforms into a beautiful, graceful dancer and the Nutcracker comes to life. Clara truly transforms, from an 11-year-old dancer to Paloma Pimentel, a professional ballerina from São Paulo. The Nutcracker also transforms from a wooden toy into William Tadeu Da Silva Ferreira, also a professional dancer from São Paulo. The two battle the evil Mouse King, and then set out on a quest to find the Golden Nut, which has the magical powers to turn the Nutcracker back into a real Prince.

Corinne Emmenegger, has 21 years of professional dancing experience. Her professional bio is quite impressive, and can be found on her school’s website, www.plainfielddanceacademy.com. After completing her successful professional career, Corinne is now ready to prove her talent as choreographer, artist, and director. Corinne’s choreography in The Nutcracker is stunning - full of life, energy, grace, and a few surprises. The costumes are beautiful, with most of them having been designed by Corinne Emmenegger. The headpieces are also original works of art, designed specifically for this Nutcracker production. The props are as precise as a Swiss watch. Corinne’s father, Peter Emmenegger, traveled from Switzerland to design and build the doll boxes, sleigh, rifles, and (surprise!) a flying carpet.

This production is sure to delight audience members of all ages. Two performances will be held on December 19th at West Aurora High School, 1201 W. New York St. Aurora. Showtimes are 2pm and 7pm. Tickets can be purchased through Wheatland Dance Theater’s website, www.wheatlanddancetheater.com.

Wheatland Dance Theater is a dance company which provides performance opportunities to the students of Plainfield Dance Academy. It is a non-profit organization that shares the passion, dedication and artistry of dance with the community through professional level performances, professional workshops, lecture demonstrations, collaboration with other non-profit organizations and community involvement.