Nutcracker Preview
Bringing Fresh Energy
to Iconic Roles
Among the most exciting features of The Nutcracker is the chance for dancers to make their first appearance in some of ballet’s best-known roles. Two dancers bringing especially fresh energy this season are Eliza Harden and Mateusz (Mat) Lojewski as the Dew Drop Fairy and her partner, the Thistle, in the Waltz of the Flowers scene.
Many dancers start out in The Nutcracker as children, but Eliza had danced in it only a few times before she came to AMB three seasons ago. Mat joined AMB last year, but broke a bone in his foot during his second week and had to sit out almost the entire season. Now, the two are relishing the opportunity to dance together and apply their artistry to the leading roles in this beloved scene.
“This is definitely the most featured role I’ve done in AMB’s The Nutcracker,” Eliza said. “I’ve always loved the Waltz of the Flowers – the music is just so joyous and exciting, and I feel like it really builds. It starts out softly and slowly, and by the end it’s a big celebration with everyone on stage. I love the choreography, because it gives me the chance to dance freely and joyously. Also, the Dew Drop is a fairy, so I think about the qualities fairies have: light and airy, with some regalness.”
The role of the Thistle, with its blend of elegant partnering and athletic leaps and turns, marks a triumphant comeback for Mat, whose injury limited his dancing last season. “I’m really happy that I’m here because I have such a supportive community. I’ve made so many friends,” he said. “That whole year that I was injured, I felt very supported and welcome, and I still felt like I was part of a family here, even though I wasn’t dancing.
“I was really nervous to go into this role. But Jack Kadzis, who dances it in the other cast, and Richard Marks, who’s done it before, helped talk me through it. They’d say, ‘Rely on your training. You can do this.’ And as we work on the partnering, Eliza and I have gotten a lot closer. We were already pretty good friends, and now we’re closer friends. We’ve been chatting more. I feel like our communication is great – we can work together and figure out how to make something go well.”
“It’s important to be able to talk about the details and the choreography and how to fix things and problem-solve, but we also have fun while doing it,” Eliza said. “I’ve never been the Dew Drop Fairy before, so it’s really exciting to explore a new role – and especially with a good friend.”
Tickets Are Going Fast…
The best seats always sell out quickly, so act now to attend The Nutcracker!
At the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center:
- Saturday, November 22, 2 & 7:30 pm
- Sunday, November 23, 2 pm (sensory-friendly performance)
At Omaha’s Orpheum Theater:
- Thursday, December 4, 7:30 pm (newly added by popular demand!)
- Friday, December 5, 7:30 pm
- Saturday, December 6, 2 & 7:30 pm
- Sunday, December 7, 2 pm