Since 1892, children have been enthralled by Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. The magical tale of a young girl’s Christmas Eve dream features a nutcracker prince, a sugarplum fairy, battling mice, toy soldiers and dancing snowflakes. Local families gather at the Touhill Performing Arts Center every December to enjoy Saint Louis Ballet’s production of the beloved classic, choreographed by artistic director Gen Horiuchi.
Horiuchi knows The Nutcracker is the first ballet many children see, and he wants to make sure it’s not the last. “Audiences today are used to fast-paced video games and social media,” he says. “So we incorporate spectacular special effects, pyrotechnics, new choreography and lots of razzle-dazzle. We keep the story simple and accessible. We want to give people of all ages the best possible experience, so they come back for more!”
Now in his 15th year as company director, Horiuchi is an expert at dazzling audiences, bringing a unique blend of artistry and showbiz smarts to the job. Raised in Tokyo, Japan, he won a prestigious international ballet competition at age 15. After studying at the School of American Ballet, he was invited by famed choreographer George Balanchine to join New York City Ballet, where he rose to principal dancer. He’s danced on Broadway in Cats and choreographed the opening ceremony of the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.
This season, Saint Louis Ballet has plenty to offer in addition to The Nutcracker, which runs Dec. 18 through 23 and is sponsored by Emerson. “We’re the only professional resident ballet company in the region presenting three fully mounted productions annually, reaching about 16,000 people,” Horiuchi says. “We’re also a nationally recognized leader in dance education, serving more than 300 students at our Chesterfield school.” On Feb. 13 and 14, just in time for Valentine’s Day, the troupe presents Love is in the Air, a contemporary romp to romantic melodies such as George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, with choreography by Francis Patrelle and Emery LeCrone. May 8 through 10, the company performs an extravagant new production of Don Quixote, featuring a mix of traditional ballet and Spanish dance. The performance, choreographed by Horiuchi, is St. Louis’ first original production of the ballet. “Audiences will love the energy, fire and passion,” he says.
Special themed luncheon or dinner days are offered on certain dates, with tickets for those performance dates sold separately. The Sugar Plum Fairy Luncheon, which takes place at the Touhill prior to The Nutcracker matinees Dec. 20, 22 and 23, is especially popular. “It’s always a hit—costumed dancers from the ballet mingle with the kids and bring the characters to life,” Horiuchi says.
Horiuchi wants people to know there’s more to ballet than dying swans. “Our dancers defy gravity live, with no do-overs, right before your eyes!” he says. When everything goes just right, there’s an amazing sense of unity between audience and performers. This is not an elitist, intimidating art form, but an incredibly dynamic experience everyone can enjoy.”
Pictured: Artistic and executive director Gen Horiuchi
Photo: Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton
[The Nutcracker, performed by Saint Louis Ballet and sponsored by Emerson, takes place Dec. 18 through 23 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. It will be followed Feb. 13 and 14 by Love is in the Air, and May 8 through 10 by Don Quixote. Tickets are $18 to $55. For more information, visit stlouisballet.org; for tickets, call the Touhill box office at 314.516.4949.]
