LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — In the traditional Nutcracker recital, it’s all about classical music and ballet, but the Nutcracker with a Latin twist is all about salsa and music a lot of Las Vegas families grew up with.
For decades, the Nutcracker ballet show has meant tutus, toy soldiers and a very classical Christmas party. At Jordance Studio it’s still ballet but the party has moved to a 1970s Latin living room.
In Nutcracker with a Latin twist, Clara even has a new name – Clarita – and her dream world comes with salsa steps.
“I am Clara. I’m the one in the dream,” said Giselle Melchor, who plays Clarita in the show. “It’s really fun, like in party scene, I get to wear salsa shoes and like dance very sassy and it’s like very fun.”
Family affair brings professional experience to stage
The show is a family affair. Co-director Jimi Jordan grew up around his mother-in-law’s classical Nutcracker then he and his wife brought their professional salsa careers into the mix.
“Ballet has its vibe, it’s very elegant, and salsa just kind of brings a little bit of that spice, so people really like it,” Jordan said.
They tell me the goal isn’t to throw out tradition but to reimagine it through a Latin lens.
“Come and see something, just a little twist. And ballet, classical ballet, elegant, with a touch, the Latin twist that is very elegant. We take care so much that part,” said Luz Morante, director of Nutcracker with a Latin Twist.
Reflecting the community through dance
For this mother-daughter team, it’s also about reflecting the community around them. In a city where many families grew up with salsa at home, they want that same energy on stage.
“In salsa, you don’t talk, but you communicate so much with some other people and you exchange so much energy and that’s what I want to like share to the community,” said Paula Jordan, co-director of Jordance studio.
Jordance Studio says they are always looking for new dancers of all ages.
The Nutcracker with a Latin Twist runs Nov. 25 and 26 at 6 p.m. at the Clark County Library Theater.
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