CBYE Media Releases

October 30, 2006 - Media Release

World Premiere Performance Takes the Stage in Hamilton
The Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble Presents the Jazz Cracker

Members of the Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble (CBYE) will dance their way into the holiday season - adding a contemporary beat to their feet - in a new performance called the Jazz Cracker.   

The Jazz Cracker is a world premiere performance choreographed by Roberto Campanella that will feature Duke Ellington’s version of the Nutcracker Suite. The performance is a combination of contemporary ballet, tap, jazz, and music that will celebrate the launch of Hamilton’s Nutcracker Festival – a holiday event hosted annually by the CBYE. 

"The Jazz Cracker is a thrilling, toe-tapping celebration of music, dance and fun for the entire family," says Belma Diamante, president of the CBYE.  "This performance builds a bridge between the medium of ballet and jazz; there’s something for everyone.” 

The Jazz Cracker features music composed by jazz legend, Duke Ellington, and his interpretation of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s lyrical Nutcracker score.  It will be performed by the Hamilton All Star Jazz Band, with music direction from Russ Weil. Featured guest artists are Bil Holinaty on the clarinet, Ray Podhornik on the trumpet and Doug Richardson on the saxophone. 

Artistic choreography is presented by Roberto Campanella, former National Ballet of Canada dancer and renowned choreographer.  Mr. Campanella is the founder and artistic director of ProArteDanza - a new and unique, visionary dance company representing top choreographers and dancers from both ballet and modern dance.

A special post-performance reception has been planned for guests to meet the artists of the Jazz Cracker, on stage at Hamilton Place.  Join the reception for an evening of “Dancin’ with the Duke” at the Jazz Cracker Cotton Club.

Tickets for the Jazz Cracker and post performance are now available at the Hamilton Place Box Office and all Ticketmaster Outlets.  For more information visit www.ticketmaster.ca.
The Jazz Cracker will take place at Hamilton Place on Friday, November 10, 2006, at 7:30 p.m.

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Media admission complementary by accreditation.  For more information or to arrange interviews, contact Megan Bidwell, Hellingman Communications Inc., 905-527-2985, extension 13.