Jazz-Infused Holiday Classic at Bass Concert Hall

Ballet Afrique, Austin’s premiere Black ballet fusion company, returns with a fifth annual production of Duke Ellington’s “The Nutcracker Suite.” Half a decade old and already a cherished holiday tradition, the production invites audiences to reimagine the holiday season through Ellington’s jazz take on Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. This year, the production moves to its biggest stage yet: Bass Concert Hall on the University of Texas campus.

Ballet Afrique, Austin’s premiere Black ballet fusion company, returns with a fifth annual production of Duke Ellington’s “The Nutcracker Suite.” Half a decade old and already a cherished holiday tradition, the production invites audiences to re-imagine the holiday season through Ellington’s jazz take on Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. This year, the production moves to its biggest stage yet: Bass Concert Hall on the University of Texas campus.

A Cast of Black Austin All-Stars

This year’s cast includes notable figures from Austin’s Black community,
each bringing artistry and excellence to the stage: Austin City Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison as Mother Ginger, Riders Against the Storm rappers Ghislaine “Qi Dada” Jean creator and producer of the PBS Television show “Black Divas” as Clarinet Mother, alongside Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone founder/director of DAWA as Trombone Charles. Dancer, choreographer and educator Imani F. Aanu, founder of IFA Dancing
& Drum and co-founder of “RE-CLAIM!,” as The Shopkeeper and introducing: Anjali Stith as Clarinet, the first 2-year-old to enroll in the Ballet Afrique Dance Academy, now dancing the lead role at 14.

Though the production spotlights Black excellence, Austin as a whole has embraced its universal appeal and cultural richness. “This show is for everyone, a celebration of shared joy. And yet it holds special
significance for Black arts, creating a platform for diverse voices and creativity,” Smith said.

An Ode to Musical Legacy

When Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky composed “The Nutcracker Suite” in 1892, he could never have anticipated the jazz revival his work would inspire through the genius of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn in the 1960s. Their collaboration infused the suite with the vibrant rhythms of big band jazz, crafting a new masterpiece that honors both Tchaikovsky’s original and African American musical innovation.

Reflecting on this legacy, Smith added, “This performance is a tribute to
African American contributions to the arts and a reminder for young people
of color to break their own barriers, pursue their passions, and celebrate
their unique heritage.”

About Ballet Afrique

Founded in 2008 by China Smith, Ballet Afrique empowers Black artists and
youth in Austin through the power of dance. The company’s flagship production, Duke Ellington’s The Nutcracker Suite, is a vibrant celebration of Black artistic expression, joy, and resilience.

Tickets for The Nutcracker Suite are on sale now at texasperformingarts.org

For more information on Ballet Afrique and how to support the company,
please visit balletafriqueaustin.org.

Event Details:

When: December 19, 2024

Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin

Tickets: Available at the Bass Concert Hall box office or
texasperformingarts.org

China Smith
Executive and Artistic Director
Ballet Afrique Contemporary Dance
www.balletafriqueaustin.org
512.228.7060

Support our studio fundraiser: www.indiegogo.com/balletafrique
Ballet Afrique in Oprah Magazine: http://tinyurl.com/afriqueoprah

Ballet Afrique in Local News KVUE ABC: http://tinyurl.com/afriquekvue