By HOO SOOK HWANG
AAP staff columnist
ST. PAUL, Minn. (Nov. 24, 2016) — Theater goers of all age groups were treated to a very contemporary Broadway version of Tchaikovsky’s classical Christmas musical/ballet “The Nutcracker” Thursday and Friday at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts.
“The Hip Hop Nutcracker” featuring the talent of Kurtis Blow, an original rap artist, choreographer and MC, had everyone rapping and dancing five minutes into the performance. It was a joy to take a break from the ongoing news cycles and political rhetoric to witness another performance that elevated moods and brought people together.
Choreographed and directed by Jennifer Weber, “Hip Hop Nut Cracker” merges the energy and incredible talent of contemporary music and dance with the nostalgia of the traditional 19th century holiday music. An all female dance crew, Decandancetheater from Brooklyn, New York. Decandancetheater has performed and traveled for audiences around the globe. Twin Cities fans were energized by the convergence of Tchaikovsky’s music, an electric violinist (DJ Boo) and creative Hip Hop dance numbers.
Precise, professional and psychologically uplifting, “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” performers rocked the Ordway. While snow was piling up outside, dancers performed countless numbers inside. Each number was more creative and full of energy than the one before it.
“The Hip Hop Nutcracker” was another reminder that The Ordway can pack a house despite unpredictable snowy weather. When great shows come to the Twin Cities to rejuvenate the masses and embrace the true ethnically and culturally diverse make-up of the Twin Cities, seats fill up.
