Imagine waking up on Christmas Eve, the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the window. But instead of being transported to a magical land of sweets, you find yourself in the bustling streets of historical San Luis Obispo.
Clara, our heroine, embarks on a journey that weaves through the city’s own Chinatown, past the railroad workers, and into the heart of its diverse cultures. This is the world of The Nutcracker as reimagined by the SLO Movement Arts Center, where tradition meets local history in a new yet familiar holiday performance.
Set in 1890s San Luis Obispo, this version of The Nutcracker replaces the usual snowy landscapes and candy-filled wonderlands with a celebration of the city. Clara’s adventure through the Land of Sweet Things is re-envisioned as the Land of Goods. As she saves her prince from the snakes and spiders, Clara navigates through the city’s streets, encountering characters shaped by the hardworking people who built San Luis Obispo.
Directed by married couple Maartje Lawrence-Hermans and Ryan Hermans, the inspiration for this new rendition of the classic ballet came from Ryan’s connection to the area where he grew up.
The production showcases historical details gathered by the Hermans from the San Luis Obispo History Center, including archives such as details about the first Christmas celebrated in the city. The traditional Russian dancers are reimagined as miners, the rats as tarantulas, and Mother Ginger as Mother Laundry.
San Luis Obispo’s Chinatown plays a central role in the second act, where the Land of Goods is a place where people from different cultures come together to celebrate. But the local spin goes beyond just setting the ballet in San Luis Obispo—it also delves into the city’s complex history.
“We turned something that may not always be sweet, like the railroad workers who worked so hard on the railroad, or the rancheros who had to work really hard, into a moment of coming together,” Lawrence-Hermans said. “We wanted to acknowledge that but also show when there was a moment to celebrate when people would honor their traditions.”
The costumes are an essential part of this vision, designed to immerse the audience in both the city’s history and its artistic charm, Lawerence-Hermans said.
“The choreography, too, takes into account both historical accuracy and creative flair. “It’s a balancing act,” Ryan said, as the Hermans worked to meld both the ballet’s original spirit and the new cultural influences of San Luis Obispo.
Through rehearsals and creative discussions, the Hermans have worked to keep the balance between tradition and innovation.
“We want to find a way to not erase the history of the ballet in trying to correct the wrongs of their choreography from 25-something years ago, or 100 years ago,” Ryan said. “So trying to remain historically accurate to both the Nutcracker ballet and historically accurate to San Luis Obispo has been a challenge.”
The cast of local dancers and performers is also vital to bringing this history to life.
As opening night approaches, the cast and crew are ready to showcase a version of The Nutcracker that reflects both the beauty and complexity of San Luis Obispo’s history.
“I encourage everyone to learn more about where we live,” Ryan said, encouraging the audience to dig deeper into the city’s past. “I mean, Chorro Street, between the Mission and the buildings where Lululemon is, that was a gravesite during the cholera epidemic of the 1850s.”
With a cast of local dancers and a focus on San Luis Obispo’s history, this reimagined version of The Nutcracker offers a different approach to the holiday classic, incorporating elements of the community and its cultural heritage.
“Art is so needed right now,” Lawrence-Hermans said. “We’re so disconnected from our hearts, and art helps us find what we really are as humans.”
Tickets for the event range from $35 to $52 for adults and $28 to $45 for children, depending on seating selection and availability.
