The Schimmel Center at PAce University is the proud host of Gelsey Kirkland Ballet's second annual production of The Nutcracker, running December 11-21. Based in Manhattan, the company is under the artistic direction of Gelsey Kirkland and Michael Chernov and is comprised of nineteen dancers and eleven apprentices. This narrative is set against a romantic backdrop of original sets, both elegant and efficiently used, including one re-made from a baroque theater that was part of a trove GKB purchased at auction from New York City Opera in 2012. Original choreography by Michael Chernov (after Vasili Vainonen  and with the assistance of Gelsey Kirkland and Alexandra Lawler) is performed by highly trained dancers who are precise in their attention to the choreographic details (especially the culturally specific) which help to make this holiday classic so significant.

Set to the iconic score by Tchaikovsky, this version tells the story of Marie (danced Thursday night by Michelle Katcher with lovely musicality) and her journey through the darkness of what seems like a dream into the world of light above the clouds. Finding her courage, Marie's love transforms her wounded nutcracker into a noble prince. In turn, Marie is transformed from child to princess. A celebration is had in the Prince's kingdom with what would be simple dolls in Marie's world, but are living and breathing characters in this magical land. With gorgeously detailed costumes, these characters from all over the world danced their own celebratory dances with immense strength and agility. Excitement built and the audience began clapping along to that ever familar tune of the Russian dance segment. Like Marie, as she awakes under the Christmas tree, we find ourselves believing that her adventure is real.

Gelsey Kirkland has a long history with this ballet having danced the lead role with Mikhail Baryshnikov in the ABT production, which was filmed and became an annual holiday broadcast on PBS. Kirkland believes in a continual search to discover deeper layers of meaning within this symbolic fairy tale. The company, as well as the audience, is the recipient of Kirkland's gift -- that which she has found to be the truth and beauty of this magical tale. Unlike other Nutcrackers, GKB's version has no Sugar Plum Fairy. At first, I must admit, I was disappointed. However, as Marie dances the famous pas de deux with the Prince, one can see how this substitution involves deeper exploration into Marie's character. Instead of everything happening around her while in the Prince's kingdom, as most productions will allow, Marie becomes active in her experience and in her relationship with the Prince. No longer an observer, she decides to be a participant, which furthers our understanding of her growth as a courageous and adventurous girl. Though I feel I am not alone in my excitement when the Sugar Plum Fairy enters in Act II, I also feel that this variation of the traditional ballet is one of value, well thought out, and beautifully executed. It is a variation that delves deeper into the traditional ballet. Marie is becoming a young woman who is courageous in life, love, and imagination. And what better gift can one receive, regardless of age, during the holidays than the gift of imagination.

Performances of The Nutcracker continue at the Schimmel Center at Pace University through December 21 with a rotating cast of dancers.