Some holiday classics are like reuniting with old friends.
Salt Creek Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” returns Dec. 9 to Governors State University’s Center for Performing Arts in University Park.
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“The choreography is no different. It’s not supposed to be different,” said artistic director Sergey Kozadayev via phone from Salt Creek Ballet’s studios and office in Westmont.
“Tchaikovsky’s score is everything. The music of Tchaikovsky is very strong. You have to obey what Tchaikovsky wrote in his score. I’ve seen some modern versions of ‘The Nutcracker’ but it doesn’t work. People want the traditional thing, and it’s very traditional,” he said.
Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky composed Op. 71, “The Nutcracker,” in 1892.
“It is a classic. First of all, this is a Christmas story. It’s specifically a Christmas story and it really works well,” said Kozadayev about the tale featuring waltzing flowers, giant mice and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
“Tchaikovsky wrote the music like a Christmas story where magical things happen,” he said. Even for non-Christians, Christmas is a time for kids and family reunions, he added.
Salt Creek Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” features guest dancers Vilia Putrius and her husband Mindaugas Bauzys. They are former members of Festival Ballet Providence in Rhode Island. Putrius retired from the company in spring while Bauzys retired in 2016.
“These two are from Lithuania originally,” said Kozadayev about the couple who also have danced with the Boston Ballet.
“Actually I met them many years ago. They are great dancers. The great dancers are good for any production.”
Salt Creek Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” at Governors State University follows November performances at Hinsdale Central Auditorium and precedes Dec. 16-17 shows at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.
“We have scenery, sets and costumes that are very colorful. It’s beautiful. We have a beautiful production and beautiful dancers,” said Kozadayev, who joined Salt Creek Ballet (www.saltcreekballet.org) in summer 1998.
“What makes ‘The Nutcracker’ also special is every time there is a new cast and they are full of energy. They are honest. Like actors and dancers, they are doing their job but they are doing this beautifully. These kids are never tired. Sometimes, for them, it’s a dream come true.
“They are enjoying the stage. They are enjoying the audience.”
More than 70 performers are involved in Salt Creek Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” which includes local children and young adults ages 7-19.
“We are a professional company. They are working on a professional level. My background is I used to dance for 22 years myself,” said Kozadayev, who has performed in other productions of “The Nutcracker,” starting as a little soldier and working his way up to the role of Sugar Plum Fairy’s Cavalier.
“I have great experience working in choreography and as a coach. I’m very pleased to work with my kids, with my students and with my young dancers. I enjoy every single day. I’m never coming to work because I love it.”
A Sugar Plum Party takes place at 3 p.m. between performances. Families can take pictures with Santa Claus, have hot chocolate and cookies, and enter to win prizes at the celebration.
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Salt Creek Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’
When: 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 9
Where: Governors State University’s Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park
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Tickets: $28, $36 or $43 adults; $25 ages 65 and older; $18 ages 16 and younger