October 2021

Carmel’s internationally renowned Indiana Conservatory of Ballet (IBC) presents its beloved annual tradition, “The Nutcracker,” and once again performs on stage at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. The majestic hall creates a breathtaking ambience and “palace” which sets the scene for the perfect backdrop for both the audience and the performers.

After last year’s disappointing break from the mainstream schedule – due to COVID-19 cancellations and restrictions – IBC’s presentation of “The Nutcracker” is poised to be even more exhilarating and magical than never !

A brief overview of the IBC

IBC was founded in 2010 by artistic director Alyona Yakovleva-Randall. The mission of IBC as a pre-professional ballet school is to be committed to providing the best classical ballet training to its students and to launching the next generation of dancers on the global stage. IBC students consistently achieve top spots in national and international competitions and pursue professional dance careers around the world.

Built on a 300-year foundation of excellence, IBC’s mission is to merge the best classical ballet instruction with the best of contemporary and modern training in a professional and stimulating environment, providing all students with the opportunity to s ‘flourish and achieve their goals. IBC strives to share the art of dance through performances as well as outreach programs for underserved people and to instill in its students a desire to give back in a way that will change lives and connect a community.

Featuring international and local talent

IBC is honored to collaborate with local talent as well as guest artist Sebastian Vinet. Born in Santiago de Chile, Vinet began his ballet training at the Escuela de Ballet del Teatro Muncipal in Santiago. After two years on a full scholarship, he moved to Houston, Texas to complete his training at the Ben Stevenson Houston Ballet Academy.

In 2009, he joined the Houston Ballet and in 2010, the San Francisco Ballet. He has been invited to dance at international ballet galas in several countries and received an apprenticeship award at the Prix de Lausanne 2009.

Vinet also received the Premio Jovenes Líderes del diario El Mercurio (2009), an award for Chilean artists, presented by the Chilean Ambassador to the United States. In 2017, Vinet was the artistic director and creator of the first international ballet gala presented at Chile’s iconic theater Teatro Oriente. More recently, Vinet had the honor of being a jurist for the Prix de Lausanne 2020 competition in Switzerland, being the youngest person in the history of the prestigious competition to be invited to join the jury.

IBC is collaborating again with the Indianapolis Children’s Choir (ICC) and its artistic director Joshua Pedde. For those who missed IBC’s 2019 “The Nutcracker” production featuring ICC children, you will have an unforgettable experience!

Two IBC dancers, Abigail Kimball (16) of Fishers, Indiana, and Aurora Ausserer (16) of Carmel, Indiana, will play the roles of the coveted “Sugar Plum Fairy”, who will hold this distinguished honor this year.

Yakovleva-Randall explained that Ausserer’s family is from Seattle, Wash., And his entire family was uprooted and moved to Carmel so Ausserer could train with IBC.

Show at the Palladium in Carmel, Indiana

Directed by Yakovleva-Randall and based on the 1934 choreography by Vasily Vainonen, IBC is proud to present “The Nutcracker” to a live audience and hopefully SOLD OUT.

Yakovleva-Randall shared what it means for her, along with IBC staff and students, to perform on such a remarkable stage and luxurious concert hall.

“Personally, I love the Palladium, and my staff and students are all thrilled to perform at the Palladium,” said Yakovleva-Randall. “That’s why we think as much as possible outside the box to work with this stage. We have to adjust the choreography as it is not a ‘ballet’ scene, but we enjoy the experience and we love working with them. [the Center’s] lots of staff.

Where IBC can’t create traditional special effects like snow, he works with the Centre’s stage crew and their lighting technology to mimic falling snow.

“We have to be creative because we can’t have the traditional sets that we used in the Toby theater,” Yakovleva-Randall said. “We are working with Ian Marshall who is building our periaktoi [ancient Greek theatrical device that features revolving scenes]. “

Children and adults of all ages will be transformed by this heartwarming story of a young girl and her beloved Nutcracker as she fights evil and learns the value and resilience of the human spirit. This version is the closest to that of the original “The Nutcracker” ballet which debuted over 100 years ago in Russia, so you won’t want to miss this timeless and beloved holiday favorite!

Tickets are on sale at thecenterpresents.org. For more information on the Indiana Ballet Conservatory, visit indianballetconservatory.org.