New Scene Brings Spanish Flair to Ballet Nebraska’s Performances of The Nutcracker

A chance encounter in Omaha’s Old Market inspired a new Spanish dance that will premiere next week in Ballet Nebraska’s (balletnebraska.org/performances) upcoming production of The Nutcracker.

Erika Overturff, Ballet Nebraska’s founder and artistic director, said that originally she had not been planning to create a new Spanish scene for The Nutcracker this year. But then she randomly came across a large, ornate Spanish-style fan lying on the sidewalk. Taking it as a sign, she reconsidered and it became her concept for the new scene! Beyond the new Spanish dance, The Nutcracker will continue the traditional scenes and colorful characters that audiences appreciate: young Clara, whose dreams take her on a fantastic journey; her mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer; the menacing Rat Queen; the delicate Sugar Plum Fairy; and more. This combination of a charming story, lively action, and brilliant music and dancing makes The Nutcracker a ballet with something for everyone.

Performances at Omaha’s Orpheum Theater will be Saturday, December 3 at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 4 at 2 p.m. Ticket information is available at balletnebraska.org/performances.