Nutcracker insider: q&a with mauro villanueva

1. What was the preparation like for this revamped Nutcracker?
Preparing for this took me a long weekend of doing nothing else but creating a master plan in a notebook. I watched videos, wrote down patterns and steps I enjoyed dancing myself and  watching the dancers closely in class. I wanted to challenge them but also make the new choreography attainable. The production also developed as we went through the creative process. Some ideas didn’t work and some times the dancers had suggestions that were much better than mine. 

2. What are some of the main differences in this Nutcracker from the traditional? 
I would say this is a fairly traditional version. Though to make it enjoyable for all ages I’ve tweaked how some of the characters are perceived. Herr Drosselmeyer is not as scary and much more magical and warm. The battle scene relies less engaging in battle and more on the fact that it brings up a courage in Clara that perhaps she didn’t know was there before. 

3. What are you most excited about for the first performance? 
I am so excited to see it all come together! There are so many new costumes and sets, that combined with the new choreography is going to be a wonderful moment on Friday evening. 

4. What do you think this story teaches kids and adults alike? 
I think the nutcracker reminds us to connect with our imagination and to dream big. It teaches us that people from around the world have distinct identities and to experience those differences is exciting. 

7. What do you hope the audience takes away from the Nolte Nutcracker? 
Seeing the nutcracker sparked my interest in dance and so I hope there are other young people who have the same experience. Studying any art is so important to the development of children and I hope this is a launching point for more young artists. 

There are many people working to make this happen, it truly takes a village and I am so thankful for everyone who has contributed time and energy. ​