The Hotel Windsor has joined forces with Melbourne City Ballet for a special one-off performance in time for Christmas.
The magic of 'The Nutcracker' will come to life in two short dances at the hotel's majestic Grand Ballroom.Here, Melbourne City Ballet Artistic Director Michael Pappalardo pens an open letter about what he's looking forward to when it coms to the show.
“I am so excited to be working with the Windsor Hotel at this very special time of year and presenting a short demonstration of 'The Nutcracker' in this unique setting. Christmas has always been my most favourite time of year and I am very lucky to be able to present 'The Nutcracker' with Melbourne City Ballet annually and to share the festive season with so many people.
This year, Melbourne City Ballet is touring the classical production to three venues across the city and was delighted to be asked to perform also at the Windsor Hotel. As a company we alway strived to get up close to the public and a big part of this is engaging with our audiences in different ways. When I was approached by the hotel, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to entertain and share the Christmas cheer and our 'Nutcracker'.
Melbourne City Ballet works on 'The Nutcracker' for six weeks prior to the performance and we have been hard at work setting and cleaning this ballet to make it even more special this year round. Inspired by the traditional story five years ago I wanted to create my own version of the ballet. Over the years we have refined choreography, almost doubled the cast and improved sets and costumes to create our biggest ballet. Unfortunately, we can’t fit the whole ballet into the Windsor Hotel but I am still very excited to be demonstrating the snippets we have put together for them.
It is always challenging working in unusual spaces but Melbourne City Ballet has worked in some very strange and interesting venues over the years and now we can add one of the most beautiful hotels in Melbourne to our long list of venues.
I encourage everyone to come and enjoy the company performing 'The Waltz Of The Flowers' and 'The Sugar Plum Pas De Deux' over high tea at the Windsor Hotel. It will be a morning to remember and I look forward to seeing all of the smiling faces and Christmas spirit.”
– Michael Pappalardo
This year, Melbourne City Ballet is touring the classical production to three venues across the city and was delighted to be asked to perform also at the Windsor Hotel. As a company we alway strived to get up close to the public and a big part of this is engaging with our audiences in different ways. When I was approached by the hotel, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to entertain and share the Christmas cheer and our 'Nutcracker'.
Melbourne City Ballet works on 'The Nutcracker' for six weeks prior to the performance and we have been hard at work setting and cleaning this ballet to make it even more special this year round. Inspired by the traditional story five years ago I wanted to create my own version of the ballet. Over the years we have refined choreography, almost doubled the cast and improved sets and costumes to create our biggest ballet. Unfortunately, we can’t fit the whole ballet into the Windsor Hotel but I am still very excited to be demonstrating the snippets we have put together for them.
It is always challenging working in unusual spaces but Melbourne City Ballet has worked in some very strange and interesting venues over the years and now we can add one of the most beautiful hotels in Melbourne to our long list of venues.
I encourage everyone to come and enjoy the company performing 'The Waltz Of The Flowers' and 'The Sugar Plum Pas De Deux' over high tea at the Windsor Hotel. It will be a morning to remember and I look forward to seeing all of the smiling faces and Christmas spirit.”
– Michael Pappalardo
