Nutcracker season is in full swing here at Atlanta Ballet. We opened this past weekend, and still have 30 performances remaining. While this dizzying Nutcracker run keeps everyone busy, we are simultaneously in rehearsals for big, the collaboration between resident choreographer Lauri Stallings, Antwan ‘Big Boi’ Patton, members of his Purple Ribbon Entertainment, and the dancers of Atlanta Ballet. Simultaneously experiencing the whimsical, almost universally familiar world of the Nutcracker and the largely unknown and unpredictable world of big will be challenging. However, the Nutcracker can become monotonous, and the opportunity to work on this exciting new work is a welcome departure from the annual holiday classic.

Here are some photos from the rehearsals of a section called Wings. The female dancer is suspended in the air, while the man partners her from below. Lauri Stallings had just a few days of rehearsal to create this section of the ballet, since a theater in which harnesses and other equipment needed to “fly” dancers was needed.

Brian Wallenberg and Christian Clark prepare for rehearsal. The gloves are for their protection when partnering the dancer who is suspended.

Christian and Nadia Mara with Brian and Pong in the background.

Kelsey Yip in warmup attire, with Pong playing with movement on the rope.

Brian and Pong taking direction.

Lauri Stallings running rehearsal.

I love this picture of Christian and Nadia. They are two amazing artists, and have a way of exploring and exposing the emotional side of movement. It’s beautiful to see.

Nadia flying through the air.

Brian and Pong from afar.

Lauri, Brian, and Pong creating movement.

This photo is cool. I love how the flying creates a dynamic in which the man can so easily manipulate the woman, yet the power of the woman’s weight while suspended in the air can become so great as a result of this manipulation.

Nadia flying off the stage and over the orchestra section of the theater.

coaching
photos: Kim Kenney

Here is a movie of the Wings rehearsal created by Brian Wallenberg, of Saturnblu Productions. The dancers featured are Nadia Mara and Christian Clark.

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