Oklahoma City Ballet Unveils New Version Of Classic Christmas Show

The Oklahoma City Ballet has unveiled a brand new version of the beloved classic "Nutcracker" show.

Monday morning, the Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Porch got a behind-the-scenes look at rehearsals.

For Oklahoma City Ballet's Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, the connection goes back to his childhood.

"For me, [it] goes back to 24 years ago, when I danced my first production," Jolicoeur-Nye said.

Now playing a key part in cultivating a new rendition of the classic show, Jolicoeur-Nye said the challenges are worth it.

"I think for any choreographer, artistic director, [it] is really a dream come true," Jolicoeur-Nye said. "It's a huge challenge, but it's so rewarding."

The Oklahoma City Ballet has been working on this behind the scenes for years, with a planning process lasting roughly two years.

"I start with a team of designers that I know and trust, a scenic designer, a costume designer, and a lighting designer," Jolicoeur-Nye said. "We lock ourselves in a room for several days, several hours at a time."

Jolicoeur-Nye said the dancers have been learning the choreography for weeks, and are coming close to perfection.

For more information about Oklahoma City Ballet, "The Nutcracker" and to buy tickets, click here.