Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” ballet comes to life through delightful costumes, orchestral music, whimsical choreography, and an enduring story. Audiences are entertained by flashing lights, crashing crescendos, energetic dance moves, and a Christmas tree that actually grows onstage with each change. While these are the hallmarks of the composer’s 1892 two-act classical ballet, they can lead to sensory overload for people with sensitivities to light, sound, and movement.
Enter the Children’s Center for Dance Education, a nonprofit dance organization founded by Deena Laska-Lewis in 1995. For the past two years, dance students have performed a sensory-friendly show of “The Nutcracker” during CCDE’s regional touring production of Tchaikovsky’s classic Christmas tale. (This 2023 story details the troupe’s “Nutcracker” rehearsals.)
During this 35-minute performance, sound levels are lowered, crescendos built at a much lower auditory range, flashing lights are subdued, and house lights are dimmed. Without diminishing the magic, every aspect of the performance is staged at a moderate level so as not to overstimulate those in attendance. Attendees are provided a “sensory bag” that includes tulle and netting material used in dancers’ tutus, a small nutcracker, a peppermint, and other elements that relate to the story. Guests can move about the room during the performance and wear headphones.
“We do this to increase the audience member’s comfort level,” Laska-Lewis says. “Our audience, many of whom have special sensory requirements, ranges in age from very young to adult. We create a space where they can feel relaxed to increase their level of enjoyment. There is also a hand signer on stage who tells the story for those who are hearing impaired.”
Dancers and cast greet guests at the door. “This allows them to actually see the Mouse King, the nutcracker, and touch the costume of the sugar plum fairies,” Laska-Lewis says, and seeing the dancers beforehand brings a sense of ease to audience members who recognize them from the meet and greet.
The magic of “The Nutcracker” is familiar to Evansville Philharmonic Music Director Roger Kalia, who conducts the orchestra for two CCDE performances Dec. 12-13. “One of the most special things about these performances is seeing so many students completely immersed in Tchaikovsky’s ‘Nutcracker’ — a true masterpiece — and watching how they rise to the occasion when they’re dancing alongside a professional orchestra. You can feel their excitement, their focus, and their pride. It’s incredibly motivating for them, and deeply rewarding for us,” Kalia says. “Our musicians love this collaboration, because it brings together two artistic worlds, creating something joyful and unforgettable for our community.”
Laska-Lewis adds, “We welcome entire families. Moreover, we believe every child, and every family, should have the opportunity to experience and enjoy the arts.”
When You Go: CCDE’s “The Nutcracker”
7 p.m. Dec. 12, Old National Events Plaza’s Aiken Theatre, 715 Locust St.
Featuring the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Conductor and EP Music Director Roger Kalia. Tickets are $25-40.
10 a.m. Dec. 13, Old National Events Plaza’s Aiken Theatre, 715 Locust St.
Sensory-friendly performance. Tickets are $5.
2 p.m. Dec. 13, Old National Events Plaza’s Aiken Theatre, 715 Locust St.
Featuring the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Conductor and EP Music DirectorRoger Kalia. Tickets are $25-40.
3 p.m. Dec. 14, Preston Arts Center, 2660 S. Green St., Henderson, Kentucky
Tickets are $20.
Art Woodward, also known as Art the Dude, is a writer and lifelong lover of music — skill sets that serve him well when reviewing Evansville’s concert and events scene.
