Nutcracker in July on the Asbury Boardwalk

(Photo courtesy of Brandon S. Horwin)

The Nutcracker ROCKS!

The Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater [AXCBT], Monmouth County’s newest professional ballet company, in conjunction with Madison Marquette and the Asbury Park Boardwalk, will present Nutcracker in July as a prelude to this season’s production of The Nutcracker Rocks, an exciting new Rock Ballet that is sure to become a holiday family favorite.

The event will feature dynamic, high-energy excerpts from The Nutcracker Rocks (December) and Alice in Wonderland (August) performed by AXCBT dance professionals as well as dance students from Monmouth County and beyond.

Dance students ages 10-15 are invited to a FREE contemporary dance class at 1pm. We will conclude the event with the audience dancing in the party scene. The Carousel, an Asbury Park Landmark, is the perfect place to party and rock.

A new holiday tradition for the whole family, The Nutcracker ROCKS is a mixture of high-power music and dance that transports its audience to a land of brave toy soldiers and sweet sugar plum fairies.

Based on Hoffman’s original story, director Gabriel Chajnik translates the Victorian-era Nutcracker from the bustles and rufﬂes of the 1890s to contemporary times. Clara’s rocker Uncle Drosselmeyer shakes things up when he shows up to a distinguished Manhattan holiday party with his electric guitar and amazing toys! The beloved Tchaikovsky score is reimagined by local favorite Alex Levine, a member of The Gaslight Anthem.

The dance class is July 14th at 1PM

The performance is July 14 at 2PM and 4PM

Both take place at the Asbury Park Carousel Building, 104-108 Asbury Ave, Asbury Park

The AXCBT was established in the fall of 2017 under the leadership of AXCBT President Elise Feldman and Artistic Director and Choreographer Gabriel Chajnik. The mission of the Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater (AXCBT) is to inspire an appreciation for dance—in both dancers and dance enthusiasts—through artistic excellence, innovative choreography, and exhilarating performances.

As part of the organization’s educational mandate, Chajnik and his team of dance professionals inspire and teach young dancers to learn to express their talent, explore their creative spirits, and expand their artistic horizons. This training is designed to underscore the joy of dance and prepare young dancers for the challenges of a career in dancing or a life of loving dance.

For more info on the Axelrod Performing Arts Center, CLICK HERE!