In an era where representation in the arts is more important than ever, A&A BALLET’s Art Deco Nutcracker 2024 sets a powerful example by celebrating diversity on stage with the most diverse and international cast yet. Blending the exuberance of the 1920s with the timeless tale of The Nutcracker, the company’s production has quickly become a Chicago holiday tradition, capturing the hearts of audiences young and old.
Directed by the internationally acclaimed Alexei Kremnev, the performance integrates the historic Tchaikovsky score with a fresh, modern approach that reflects the rich cultural diversity of its cast.
Ballet, historically rooted in European tradition, has long been critiqued for its lack of diversity. While other dance forms have made significant strides in inclusivity, ballet has lagged behind. A&A BALLET is committed to changing that narrative, making diversity a priority both on and off stage. Their efforts include providing opportunities for dancers from all over the world, offering scholarships, and ensuring access to ballet training regardless of financial background.
Accessibility is one of the major barriers in ballet, with the cost of training, leotards, and pointe shoes often preventing many young dancers from pursuing the art. This lack of access not only limits opportunities for aspiring dancers from underrepresented backgrounds but also stifles diversity in ballet’s public face, leaving many children without role models in the art. But organizations like A&A BALLET are working to address these issues by fostering an environment where talent, not economic status, determines success.
“For us, diversity is central to ballet. It’s an international performance art, and there is so much untapped talent,” says Kremnev. “We’ve focused on making sure our dancers have access to resources—whether through scholarships, housing, or education—so they can thrive in the ballet world.”
Kremnev, along with his wife Anna Reznik, have been longtime advocates for inclusion in ballet, extending their efforts to provide a platform for diverse, female choreographers as well. Their work in developing young talent began in 2010 when they launched the Young Choreographers program at the Joffrey Ballet, which evolved into the Winning Works: Choreographers of Color initiative. Today, at A&A BALLET, they continue to prioritize elevating diverse voices and talents in dance.
In the upcoming 2024 Art Deco Nutcracker, audiences will see this commitment to diversity come to life on stage. The entire lead cast is international or generational American from Tokyo, Japan, Xalpa Veracruz, Ukraine and Spain to Russian, Indian, Polish and Chinese Americans. This cast is one of the most culturally diverse in the city, symbolizing A&A BALLET’s vision of an inclusive future for ballet.
As diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) become a central topic in ballet, companies like A&A BALLET are leading the charge in transforming the dance world, specifically ballet. By embracing diversity and multiculturalism, not as a trend, but as a core value, they are shaping the future of ballet—one that reflects the vibrant, multicultural world we live in, much like the story of the Nutcracker.
"The original Nutcracker is beloved for its celebration of global music and dance traditions, so it’s only fitting that our cast highlights the diverse backgrounds of our dancers," says Kremnev, Creative Director of A&A BALLET.
Performance Dates:
Saturday, December 7, 2024, 2:00 & 7:00 p.m.
Where: Athenaeum Theater, 2936 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL
Tickets: $22.00-59.00 available here
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