This weekend, the United Dance Company presents The Extraordinary Nutcracker at Boston’s Calderwood Pavilion. The production, billed as New England’s only narrated version of the Nutcracker, is designed to engage audiences of all ages and abilities. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday performances are $25–$46, with shows starting at 2 p.m.
The Extraordinary Nutcracker features an inclusive cast of dancers with and without disabilities. Choreographer Gianni Dimarco designed the show to highlight performers from Boston Children’s Hospital and the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress. “We wanted to do a show where they are the ones driving the show — they were the main characters, they were the main reason for the show,” Dimarco told WHDH News. The production emphasizes the dancers’ abilities rather than their disabilities.
The 60-minute performance features music by P.I. Tchaikovsky and Fraser Campbell. It emphasizes storytelling and dancing in a sensory-friendly environment suitable for a diverse audience. More information is available on the United Dance Company’s website.
According to the WHDH News, Hannah Kendrick, a dancer with over a decade of experience, plays Clara in The Extraordinary Nutcracker. Performer Casey O’Donnell said, “It makes me the star — well I am the star.” O’Donnell added, “I want to see the audience going through a journey, celebrating Christmas.” The production emphasizes inclusivity while aiming to engage and entertain audiences during the holiday season.
