NIMBUS DANCE WORKS, Frank R. Conwell MS4 Auditorium, 107 Bright St, JC.  (201) 377-0718; www.nimbusdanceworks.org.  Dec. 13-18. Tix: $11 – $40 (early bird prices through 12/4; group discounts available) Nimbus Dance Works presents JERSEY CITY NUTCRACKER 2016. “Jersey Cityâ€s largest annual performing arts event. Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet re-imagined with Jersey City flavor.  Join Nimbus Dance Works, Jersey Cityâ€s acclaimed professional dance company for the 7th year of its annual holiday tradition: Jersey City Nutcracker. Jersey City Nutcracker tells the story of two childrenâ€s urban holiday adventure leading them through fantasy, adversity and celebration and, along the way, teaching them lessons about friendship and community. Choreographed and directed by Nimbus Artistic Director Samuel Pott, this adaption of Tchaikovskyâ€s holiday classic is performed by a stand-out cast of professional dancers from Nimbus Dance Works joined by youth and adults from the community as they portray familiar characters such as the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Rat King, the Arabian Princess and Drosselmeyer – all with a Jersey City twist!”  (Appropriate for all ages; barrier-free event.)

FILM  

LANDMARK LOEWâ€S JERSEY CITY, 54 Journal Sq, JC. (201) 798-6055; info@friendofloews.org. Sun, Dec. 4 at 2 pm The Classic Holiday Show – On stage & Screen. Live concert, including sing-along and ITâ€S A WONDERFUL LIFE” HOSTED BY Donna Reedâ€s daughter, Mary Owen. $12 adults/$8 students & seniors. See Jimmy Steward in one of his best roles as George Bailey who learns the true meaning of friendship and family.

LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, JC. (201) 200-1000; www.lsc.org. Sat, Dec. 3, 10, 17; Tix: $14.50 adults; $12.50 kids 2-12 and seniors 62+. THE POLAR EXPRESS: An IMAX Experience, rolls into the world’s largest IMAX Dome theater for a limited engagement, just in time for the holidays. “This heart-warming film tells of a boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on a journey of self-discovery. Based on the Caldecott Medal-winning children’s book written by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express is directed by Oscar winner Robert Zemeckis and stars two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks.” NEW! Audiences also get to enjoy a brand new 15-minute holiday laser pre-show before each screening of the movie.

 VISUAL ARTS

RAVEN GALLERY & BOUTIQE, Newark Ave, JC, Curators, owners, artists Andrea McKenna and Javiera Rodriguez present through Jan 1: WEARABLE ART: Group Exhibition. (Pictured: “Sweet Dreams” collage by Luis Alves.) Featuring artists Andrea Brooke Dâ€Alessandro, Anthony Jr. Wills, Asha Ganpat, Carole Bailey, Chris Ernst, David Nicolato, Darya Warner, Eric Indin, Hailey Arango, John Kincaid, Kelly Heaton, Luca Cusolito, Luis Alves, Mollie Thonneson and Rafael Colon.

BARSKY GALLERY, 48 Harrison St, HOB. (888) 465-4949; barskyallery.com.

BARSKY GALLERYâ€S WINTER EXHIBITION AND SALE is on now. “The rotating collection is a showcase of recent works by gallery-represented artists, embodying an eclectic mix of contemporary original art priced for every budget.” Winter hours: Mon & Tues, by appointment; Wed-Sun, 11 am-6 pm. (Pictured: Aymar de Villele, “Planet Earth” Oil on Canvas.)

 MANA CONTEMPORARY, 818 Newark Ave, JC, (201) 604-2702, www.manacontemporary.com. Through Aug 1, 2017: JOHN CHAMBERLAIN: PHOTOGRAPHS. Mana Contemporary and Ayn Foundation present a kinetic series of photographs taken with a swing-lens Widelux camera from the legendary artist, curated by Tad Wiley. “This exhibition showcases 70 works, ranging between 1989 and 2002. Known primarily for his sculptures, Chamberlain actively experimented in all mediums, including painting, film, and photography. He once referred to these works as ‘self-portraits of the nervous system†using the camera more as an extension of his body than of his mindâ€s eye.”

 DEEP SPACE GALLERY, 77 Cornelison Ave, JC (201) 777-0166. Closing Night Dec. 3, 6-10 pm: GLOSSBLACK, solo exhibition. “Raised in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, Jimmy is an American graffiti writer who began painting in the early 2000s. Today, with over a decade of work under his belt, he has solidified himself as a nationally recognized practitioner of the art. As graffiti culture rises in popularity, he manages to continually find new territory, creating pieces that are instantly recognizable. Working predominantly in aerosol and oil paint, his dynamic lettering styles, layering techniques, craftsmanship, and dedication to detail result in striking works of art.” For more info, www.glossblack.org.

 THEATER

MILE SQUARE THEATRE, 1400 Clinton St, HOB. (201) 683-7014. www.milesquaretheatre.org; Through Sun, Dec. 18; Tix: $30/Students & Seniors, $18. ITâ€S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY by Joe Landry. Directed by Mark Cirnigliaro. “Mile Square Theatre brings back its popular telling of the classic holiday film. A holiday treat for the entire family!”

  FOR THE KIDS

 JCTC-KIDS at the Jersey City Theater Center, Merseles Studios, 339 Newark Ave, JC. www.jctcenter.org. Sundays through Dec 11 at 1 pm: Puppetworks presents Lewis Carrollâ€s ALICE IN WONDERLAND.  Tix: Children: $8; $11 at the door. Adult: $9; $12 at the door. School discounts available. Go to www.jctcenter.org for tix.

 LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, JC. (201) 200-1000; www.lsc.org. Through Jan 8, 2017: CURIOUS GEORGE: LETâ€S GET CURIOUS! “Letting curiosity and inquiry be their guides, children explore familiar buildings and locales from the “Curious George” books and television series on PBS Kids in Curious George: Letâ€s Get Curious! The exhibit presents key concepts in science, math, and engineering, which are woven throughout the exhibit. Activities invite children to learn like Curious George does—through direct experience and problem solving! Kids can also meet Curious George in person at the Science Center. George will visit December 28 and December 29. He will be there from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm; visit the Welcome Desk for specific location and times. Come take photos with him and give a big, friendly hug. Curious George canâ€t wait to meet your family!”

 LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, JC. (201) 200-1000; www.lsc.org. BODIES REVEALED* “LSP presents real human figures and organs that reveal the wonder and beauty of the human form. The exhibition shows detailed views of human anatomy, from whole body displays to individual skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, and circulatory systems. Unlike models that idealize the body through the eyes of an artist, this exhibition shows the body and its systems as they really exist, including natural variation.*Bodies Revealed is a premium exhibition, available with the Premium Pass or a Combination Ticket.

LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, JC. (201) 200-1000; www.lsc.org. Tues-Fri. 12:30, 2, & 3:30‌ pm; Sat. & Sun, 10 & 11:30 am & 4:30 pm. Earthflight 3D. “Fly wingtip to wingtip with some of the worldâ€s most charismatic birds. On their fantastic journeys, the birds visit some of the most spectacular animal events and locations on Earth. Our 300-seat Joseph D. Williams 3D Science Theater offers shorter running Real D 3D Digital Films are suitable for all ages. These movies pack lots of great action into 20 – 40 minutes.”

CLUBS

BRIGHTSIDE TAVERN, 141 Bright St, JC. Mon, JAZZ JAM; Tues & Wed: KARAOKE; Thurs: OPEN MIC NIGHT; Fri: COMEDY; Sat & Sun: Brunch, DANCE, KARAOKE, OPEN MIC

 HAPPENINGS & HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES

 ART HOUSE PRODUCTIONS presents JC FRIDAYS, a city-wide celebration of the arts in JC. This quarterly citywide celebration of the arts is free and open to the public. It features art, performances, music, film and educational workshops. For more info call (201) 915-9911 Visit the website jcfridays.com for listings.

 HOBOKEN CITY HALL, 94 Washington St, HOB. (201) 420-2207; www.hobokennj.gov. Sat & Sun, Dec. 3 & 4; 11 am-5 pm. Mayor Dawn Zimmer & the City of Hoboken present the CITY HALL HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR featuring art, photography & unique handcrafted gift items. (Please use Newark St. entrance.)

OUT OF TOWN HAPPENINGS

 THE NEW VICTORY THEATER, 229 W. 42^nd St, NYC. www.newvictory.org. Fri, Dec. 2 – Sun, Jan. 1 – “This holiday season experience the joyous spirit abundant in MOTHER AFRICA: MY HOME, a circus spectacular set in Cape Townâ€s largest township, Khayelitsha. Daring acrobats, jubilant dancers and mind-bending contortionists fill the New Victory stage when the sensational Drama Desk-nominated Circus der Sinne returns to NYC with electrifying live music and feats of extraordinary strength and dazzling skill. With performers representing African nations from Tanzania, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe, to South Africa and Ivory Coast, this radiantly rhythmic production exudes a palpable zest for life that will have the whole family on the edge of their seats—or, better yet, dancing in the aisles.”

 NEWARK MUSEUM, 49 Washington St, Newark, NJ. (973) 596-6550; www.newarkmuseum.org. Now on view LIFE, LOVE, DEATH: THE BALLANTINES. “Beer built this house.  One child found happiness here.  One child found tragedy here. A half-century before becoming part of the Newark Museum complex, this National Historic Landmark mansion was home to one of the country’s most important beer dynasties. Through new interactive galleries, discover what really happened here during the Gilded Age.”

 SEND US YOUR ARTS LISTINGS. If you have an art opening or performances coming up including visual arts, performing arts and street arts, send an email to:  riverviewobserver@gmail.com and weâ€ll list it in ARTScene.  

ALL ARTscene LISTINGS ARE FREE.

The post DECEMBER ARTScene   Cultural Happenings in & around Hudson   first appeared on River View Observer.

During the holidays, take a walk down Wayne Street in Jersey City (right off Grove) and you might hear strains of Tchaikovskyâ€s “The Nutcracker” blasting from a boom box inside the Barrow Mansion, a community center where theater and dance companies hang their hats – and shoes. In one of the larger rehearsal rooms, professional dancers and students from local schools are spinning, leaping and paying close attention to Nimbus Dance Works†Artistic Director Samuel Pott as he choreographs their movements for the companyâ€s upcoming production of “Jersey City Nutcracker.”

Artistic Director and Choreographer Samuel Pott rehearses dancers in a scene from “Jersey City Nutcracker”

The curtain goes up Fri, Dec. 21st at the Frank R. Conwell Middle School on Bright Street in Jersey City and runs through Sun, Dec. 23rd — for tickets, go to www.nimbusdanceworks.org. After attending a recent rehearsal, it pleases me to report that this is going to be one fabulous show.

Nimbus Dance Works†version of Tchaikovskyâ€s classic features the composerâ€s beautiful score with a twist on its tale. In the original E.T.A Hoffman story, the boy and girl, Christopher and Maria, fall asleep and the toys that are placed under the tree spring to life. In the Nimbus version, Christopher and Maria embark on a journey through the urban landscape instead where dancers play Sugar Plum Fairies, an Arabian Princess, The Rat King and so much more as Tchaikovskyâ€s score helps bring the story to life.

Now in its third year, and one of Nimbus Dance Works signature pieces, “Jersey City Nutcracker” has become a family tradition among locals. This yearâ€s production features a cast of more than 100 that includes professional dancers who are members of Nimbus Dance Works and students from St. Dominicâ€s Academy, Henry Snyder High School, Jersey City Dance Academy, Next Step Broadway and Middle School No 4, where the show will be performed.

There are so many students in the show that Pott cast four female students and three male students to play Christopher and Maria on different nights. On the 22nd, Tamir Rios of Jersey City will be Christopher and Gina Pilamunga of West New York will play Maria.

Tamir Rios and Gina Pilamunga rehearse a lift in “Jersey City Nutcracker”

“Iâ€ve been dancing since I was 4, “Gina says during a break in rehearsals. “Iâ€m on my dance team at Memorial High School and my dance teacher suggested I audition.”

An 8th grader at Middle School No. 4, Christopher was discovered by Nimbus when he was seen dancing hip-hop – a bit of a stretch from ballet, but something Christopher is learning to enjoy.

“This is new for me,” Christopher says. “I like it.”

Both students say theyâ€re getting a lot out of the experience, especially learning that to be professional requires more than just dancing well.

“Professional also means facial expressions,” Gina says. “You need to put yourself into the character.”

Sounds intense, but thatâ€s just what Pott teaches the students during rehearsals. While going over the steps in a scene where Maria has to appear terrified of evil rats circling her, Pott emphasizes the difference between giving a cute child performance and making an impact.

“Kids performances look cute; professional performances move the audience,” Pott tells them.

Tchaikovskyâ€s Nutcracker with a Twist

“Jersey City Nutcrackerâ€s” collaborative team features Pott as choreographer/director; Alysia Souder as librettist/playwright; Irene Borngraeber, scenic designer; and Jennifer Bentley costume designer. This year, the show is being presented at a larger venue and with new sets and costumes.

“Itâ€s a nice event for families with kids,” Managing Director Ivet Bandirma says. “Goldman Sachs is our title sponsor. Itâ€s a lot of fun, a lot of work and a great experience for the students who get to work with professional dancers.”

Indeed, 120 students from local schools – and schools in Newark – make up the cast of “Jersey City Nutcracker” with kids as young as 5 playing Cookies and their older dance classmates, 6-9, playing Angels. Many of the kids are enrolled in The School of Nimbus Dance Works, which just opened in September 2012.

Nikki Albert of Green Township in Sussex County recently earned a BFA in Dance from the Mason-Gross School of the Arts at Rutgerâ€s University. She is an apprentice with Nimbus Dance Works and after auditioning, Albert landed the role of The Rat King where she dances and performs some complex steps all the while brandishing a sword. Albert is also the storyâ€s narrator.

Nikki Albert will dance The Rat King in Nimbus Dance Works†“Jersey City Nutcracker”

“I love ‘The Nutcracker†and the opportunity to work with the company and with the kids,” Albert says. “Itâ€s a lot of fun and Iâ€m learning a lot.”

Gotta Dance in Jersey City

During rehearsal, Pott watches the dancers execute his choreography. Focused, friendly, yet straightforward with the student dancers, Pott points out when the students are off the beat or when their movements need to be finessed. What made Pott decide to start a dance company? It wasnâ€t a planned decision, he says, just something that grew organically when Pott and other dancers expressed a collective desire to perform.

“At the start it was me and fellow dancers from the American Repertory Ballet and we wanted to do our own projects,” Pott says. “Mostly weâ€ve been operating out of Grace Church. Theyâ€ve always been extremely gracious and generous. We owe a lot to them.”

Nimbus Dance Works plans to present a spring season in Jersey City and at the Alvin Ailey Theater in New York City. Even though it has grown from a grassroots group of dancers to a 501 (c) 3 non-profit dance company, Pott says the mission continues to be about designing and creating projects to get people involved and impact the community.

Dancers in the company rehearse a scene from “Jersey City Nutcracker”

“Many dance companies are about the art of dance,” Pott says. “We try to bring the highest level of dance into the community. Everything we do is based on the question how can we make an impact, change peopleâ€s lives?”

If you go:

Fri, Dec. 21, 7 pm; Sat, Dec. 22, 1 and 5 pm; and,

Sun, Dec. 23, 1 and 5 pm

“Jersey City Nutcracker”

Frank R. Conwell Middle School NO. 4

107 Bright Street

Jersey City

(201) 377-0718

www.nimbusdanceworks.org

Tickets:

Orchestra Seats: $25

General Admission: $18

Seniors, and Students under 17: $10

 

 

 

 

 

 

The post COVER STORY:Sugar Plum Fairies, Jersey Style-Nimbus Dance Works’ “Jersey City Nutcracker” to Enchant Audiences Once Again first appeared on River View Observer.