By Roger Caldwell
On the evening of November 25, 2023, at the Walt Disney Theater, a masterpiece was performed with the master’s stroke. The theater was taken over by dance, live and recorded music and everyone that attended was put under the spell of Beverly Page, and Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker.
This is the eleventh year of the performance and each year, it gets better and better. Under the leadership and vision of Beverly Page President/CEO of Orlando Community Arts INC, this dance production has become a labor of love and community commitment. This soulful spin of ETA Hoffman’s Nutcracker is diverse, and the dance and music is of high quality from around the world, and the African American community.
This year Mrs. Page collaborated with Jones High School under the leadership and direction of Naomi Joy Nelson. The music was phenomenal, with Jones High school Band Drum Line, Jones High School Jazz Band, and Jones High School Alumni & Community Band. The music never stopped all night, and it was difficult to tell if it was live or recorded. With over 100 performers everything ran semisly with no major mistakes and everything ran smoothly.
The strength of the show starts with beautiful dancing from the leading dancers at home and a back drop with a scene of the Black community in Harlem. Here the Jones High School Band Drum Line and the 40+ Double Dutch Club, a jump roping team from Orlando girls gets the show started. The magic never stops and the masterpiece is choreographed by the many different artists backstage.
“This is my second year and I enjoyed working with the team. Everything was quality and organized,” said Xiomi Dean Johnson –Sugar Plum Fairy. “This performance is a unique holiday story that brings forward a distinctive African American perspective while showcasing elements of song and dance worldwide including the Caribbean, Africa, Spain, India, China, and Brazil,” says Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost.
As the show ended people were talking about the dazzling customs and performance from the solo and the playing together of violinist Jaquay Pearce, and saxophonist Naomi Joy. Also the moment of praise from The Mime Boys had people getting up out of their seats. The Boom Box segment with Joe Stylezzz and his daughter Ellie Stytezzz was special with freestyle dancing.
Finally to the dancers, technicians, musicians, Choreographers, families, special guest, and Sponsors, we crossed the finish line. Yes it all came together and everyone that participated should feel good about the time and commitment to make Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker a success. Thank you, Beverly Page and Orlando Community Arts for your positive work and commitment to our children, dancers, families, and artist in the city.
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