The Metropolitan School of the Arts
Nutcracker performance is back.
And this year they are performing a
Ukrainian folk dance in support of those who
are affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
We're going to get a preview of
that performance here on Great
day Washington in just a moment.
But first we have the director of
Studio Ballet performance, Charlie Abel,
here to tell us more about it.
Thank you for being here, Charlie.
Thanks so much for having me.
It's very exciting time of year.
And as you mentioned,
the second act of Nutcracker usually
features sweets, dance sweets.
Of across the world.
We reached out to the Carpathia
Dance Ensemble here in DC,
and they provided to us Colleen Prince,
who choreographed a marvelous
Ukrainian folk dance from the
region in the northwest of Ukraine.
Not only to bring awareness, right.
It's it goes beyond that if
you go to to support well
what I would like. People to know is
more about the Ukrainian culture.
It's a very interactive dance.
You'll see them using their
hands in a special way and
stamps that are significant.
And of course folk dancing
originates in the town square.
So it's, it's, it's that's why it's,
it's very interactive, I think.
Was there a particular reason why
you wanted to draw attention to
the crisis and the war in Ukraine?
Pretty obvious, yeah.
Pretty obvious. Yeah. Yeah.
The Ukrainian people are suffering,
as are others, due to this.
And so we wanted to.
It was the brainchild of
Jacqueline Doherty, our director,
who who thought of it,
I think was a great idea,
especially at this time of year.
We're all celebrating happy,
joyful, and you've got to remember
what's happening to people.
And it's an exciting dance.
It's going to be a show stopper, folks.
And before that, you will have
The Nutcracker as well, right?
More in the traditional. Absolutely.
The Nutcracker will be performed.
At the Schlesinger Auditorium in Alexandria,
December 3rd and 4th at 12:00 PM and 5:00
PM tickets are available at our website,
www.metropolitanarts.org for
performances to choose from.
We're going to give them a little
preview and taste right here.
We're going to let them
take the stage. Thank you.
Oh my gosh, so much fun.
You can't help but tap. Along with that.
You can see the full performance this
weekend, both Saturday and
Sunday at 12:00 and 5:00 PM,
taking place at the Schlesinger Concert
Hall and Arts Center in Alexandria.
You can always go to metropolitanarts.org
For more information and proceeds
are going to families affected
by the conflict in Ukraine.
Thank you all. Great job.