Illusionism
Illusionism: A technique which creates the illusion of a figure in such a way as it seems alive.
Stephanie Maiorano dancing in front of Georgia O’Keeffe, The White Flower (White Trumpet Flower), 1932. Oil on canvas. The San Diego Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. Inez Grant Parker in memory of Earle W. Grant, 1971.12.
San Diego Ballet brings America’s favorite holiday event to dazzling life at the local theater. Our annual production of The Nutcracker features Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and an international cast of more than 100 beautifully costumed dancers. Sugarplum fairies, leaping cossacks and flurries of snowflakes swirl across the stage, in this magical journey through a young girl’s imagination.
Director’s Notes:
Ah, THE NUTCRACKER. I chose Illusionism to go with THE NUTCRACKER because of all of the effort that we put into trying to create this world for you. Bright, beautiful costumes, evocative sets, and a energetic, fun story for the whole family to bring holiday cheer. Lovely ballerinas and an army of rats. In the past, I’ve spoken about how special NUTCRACKER is because it brings dancers of all ages together on stage. As for me, I’ve been involved with the San Diego Ballet production of NUTCRACKER for over 35 years. Not only have I seen dancers transition from children’s roles to company roles, but I’ve transitioned myself, In the early days, I would occasionally drop into the part of the Chinese dancer, which I enjoyed because I just got to be myself on stage… spin around… and slide into the splits. A few years later, I had to step into the part of Herr Drosselmeyer, the magical toy maker. At the time I felt I was a little too young for the part, so I had to pepper my hair with silver make up. Now the silver is natural. Maybe a bit too natural. That’s one of the reasons why this will probably be my last season in the part. Many wonderful memories, but I look forward to passing on the tradition. I invite you all to come out and watch me swirl around the stage for one last time. – Javier Velasco
The Magnolia
210 E Main St,
El Cajon, CA 92020
December 20 @ 1pm & 5pm
December 21 @ 1pm
