On today's episode of "Conversations On Dance", we dive into the new documentary "The Nutcracker At Wethersfield", a film that explores the chaotic, thrilling experience of a huge team of dancers, artists and volunteers coming together to ensure that the "Nutcracker" holiday tradition could continue during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are joined by the choreographer Troy Schumacher and ballerina Ashley Laracey, the Sugar Plum Fairy in this production, both veteran NYCB soloists who had not had a year without Nutcracker in their lives for more than two decades. They take us through the numerous complications to consider while mounting the production, from legal constraints, health concerns and the logistics of building a massive production in just five weeks, and how this experience ultimately came to be a documentary that perfectly encapsulates a moment unlike any of us shall ever experience again in our lives. "The Nutcracker At Wethersfield" will be available to stream on demand from December 21st through January 5th through the website nutcrackerfilm.com.

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On today's episode of Conversations On Dance, we are joined by author Elizabeth Kendall. Elizabeth has written numerous books on dance, her most recent, "Balanchine Finds His America: A Tale Of Love Lost And Ballet Reborn" is on shelves now. Elizabeth takes us through her journey to writing on dance, why Balanchine has become such an important figure to her as a writer, and the varied processes through which she researches, writes and edits her work. To purchase "Balanchine Finds His America", perhaps as a holiday gift or some excellent solo travel reading material, grab your copy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49QmfDa.

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Did you know you can train with The Royal Ballet School anywhere, anytime with their online library of pre-recorded classes? And this Cyber Monday, they’re offering two classes for the price of one! Explore a collection of over 50 unique classes, including ballet, contemporary, character, pilates and adult classes with this limited-time offer. Learn from the School’s expert artistic faculty and guest teachers from the comfort of your home and receive lifetime access to your purchased classes.

Go to ondemand.royalballetschool.org.uk, add two or more classes to your cart and enter code CODOFFER to receive a £12 discount, equivalent to the price of one class.* But be quick, offer ends this Sunday 7 December 2025. Link in the show notes. *Excludes all bundles and new Junior Associate insight classes.

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Today on Conversations on Dance, we welcome back a listener favorite and our friend, Alastair Macaulay, former Chief Dance Critic for the New York Times. This past week, on Friday November 14th, Alastair hosted an event at the New York Public Library where he examined films of revered Balanchine ballerina, Suzanne Farrell. Alastair tells us about how research for this event, talks about the films he showed, and other tidbits on Suzanne’s career and dancing. At the end, Alastair talks about his City Center Studio 5 event which is available to watch now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAkP-QnDpL0

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SPONSOR: The Royal Ballet School are bringing their diverse programme of non-selective and selective Intensive Courses for students aged 8-19 to London, Singapore, Hong Kong, and for the first time, Los Angeles next summer!

Explore your love for dance in a supportive environment, as the School’s expert Artistic staff and guest coaches guide you in a variety of styles to hone your technique, artistry and musicality.

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Don’t miss your chance to train with one of the world’s leading centres for classical ballet training. Applications are now open. Head to royalballetschool.org.uk to secure your spot today.

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