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Zoika’s Dance is preparing to present its “Nutcracker Fantastique,” a new contemporary take on the holiday classic that combines classical ballet with modern dance elements, including hip hop, tap, contemporary, folkloric and acro dance styles.
Performances will be held at 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 22 at Flagler College’s Lewis Auditorium, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine.
The audience will join in young Clara’s holiday dream as she travels with her Nutcracker Prince to the Land of Sweets, where toys, snow and treats come to life in vibrant dance.
“I am thrilled to share the magic of the Nutcracker experience with dancers whose talents extend beyond ballet into contemporary styles,” director and choreographer Zoika Garcia said. “This is an updated production that is modern and inclusive. Most of all, it has something for everyone to relate to and enjoy.”
Garcia, who owns Zoika’s Dance school in St. Augustine, is calling on the talents of two local professionals to join the cast of young dancers and choreograph their respective pieces: Jenne Vermes and Amaani Grant.
Vermes is a professional tap dancer, choreographer and teacher from Jacksonville. She is artistic director and a performer with touring tap ensembles Noise Complaint and Rhythm Theory.
Grant is a professional dancer, choreographer and teacher from St. Augustine who specializes in hip hop and contemporary genres. Her work has been featured in music videos and festivals.
“Historically, Nutcracker has always been strictly a ballet production,” Grant said. “It is exciting to have the chance to bring hip hop dance elements to the famous Tchaikovsky score.”
Tickets are $20 and $30 and may be purchased online at zoikasdance.com.
