The Nutcracker - A Joffrey Dancer's Perspective

By Rory Hohenstein, Joffrey Dancer

When the holidays approach, as a ballet dancer that means The Nutcracker. If not the first, then it is definitely among the first ballets you perform. And like our craft, it takes time to grow, through the years moving from party child, to toy soldiers, then professionally progressing in roles as well until you can look back and successfully know you've performed almost every part. Besides the amazing score played by the orchestra, what makes this experience even more fun is having the chance to perform in such an historic and beautiful theater like the Auditorium. 

As artists in the theater, we experience the complete opposite side of what the audience sees, such as the quiet empty lobby, with all its grand marble and tiles. Or the smell of the popcorn seeping through the dressing room halls as the ushers start preparing before the doors open. But mostly, as the audience sits in their seats staring at the life and art happening onstage, we the artists are living the story, looking out at the opposite side of the theater. 

The House of the Auditorium is beautiful and stunning from where we stand. Looking out into soft glowing arches that surround everyone, it is a privilege to perform here. As dancers, every year heading into Nutcracker season, we have grown accustomed to working through the holidays, but perhaps the best part of that is knowing that it has come as a tradition for most families and friends to celebrate the season with Nutcracker. And to be a part of others' yearly traditions feels quite special. So the next time you're in your seat, be sure to look up and all around and take in the beautiful sights of the theater. Know that that our view is quite beautiful as well. 

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Rory Hohenstein was born in Washington, D.C. At age six he began dancing jazz, tap and modern. At 12 he began training at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in D.C. In his senior year of high school, he joined Le Jeune Ballet de France in Paris, while completing his studies overseas. In July of 2000, Rory joined the San Francisco Ballet as a member of the corps and was promoted to a soloist in 2006. In 2008, he moved to New York City, joining choreographer Christopher Wheeldon’s new company, Morphoses. As a member of Morphoses, he performed in their home season and toured with the company to Sadler Wells London and the Sydney Festival in Australia. Rory spent 2010 as a freelance dancer working on several projects with different companies, most recently finishing a season with the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company. Rory has had the pleasure of working with many esteemed choreographers including Helgi Tomasson, Wayne McGregor, Mark Morris, Christopher Wheeldon, Lar Lubovitch, Alexi Ratmansky, Val Caniparoli, William Forsythe, Jorma Elo and Wade Robson, from T.V.'s "So You Think You Can Dance." This is Rory’s first season with The Joffrey Ballet.
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The Joffrey Ballet

The Nutcracker

Venue: Auditorium Theatre
Dates: Friday, December 7, 2012 - Thursday, December 27, 2012
Times: Times Vary - See Below Schedule
Price: $117-$31

Running Time: 2 hours and 5 minutes(including a 20 minute intermission)

Collaboration conceived and directed by:
Robert Joffrey
Music: Peter llyich Tchaikovsky 

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of America’s #1 Nutcracker! A grand production with Tchaikovsky’s glorious score played live by a full orchestra, this is sure to be an evening of pure enchantment.

“The perfect ballet” – Washington Post

Phone: 800.982.ARTS (2787) | Box Office: 50 E. Congress Pkwy.