‘The Nutcracker’ comes to the Strand

The Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre (JMBT) is coming full circle this holiday season. Founded in 1986, the company whose repertory is full of original ballets is performing the classic “Nutcracker” at the Strand Theater Dec. 22-24.

 Through a partnership with the city of Boston, Mateo’s “Nutcracker” is part of JMBT’s Dance for World Community, a project that builds local and global networks to expand the role of dance.

With the support of Mayor Thomas M. Menino, the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Tourism and Special Events and The Boston Globe Santa, JMBT is working with 45 local social service agencies to provide 1,000 free “Nutcracker” tickets to children and families in need.

  JMBT is committed to making dance accessible to Boston’s communities. The company has been performing “The Nutcracker” since Thanksgiving. The final two shows will be at the Strand, the same theater where the company debuted more than 20 years ago.

A week before the show, the Banner caught up with Mateo to talk about the significance of returning to the Strand and what he described as “ballet’s history of arrogance.”

I know that your company performs “The Nutcracker” every year. Is it difficult to remain innovative?

Well, because the rest of our repertory is all original, this show is what allows us to teach the importance of tradition. It’s unfortunate that the ballet culture depends almost entirely on old ballets. But, “The Nutcracker” is family focused and it’s a great introduction to the art form.

I read that this version of “The Nutcracker” is streamlined and intimate. How do you decide between intimate and showy?

Well, I think those over the top shows in this day and age can seem pretentious and excessive. It’s important not to flaunt opulence. I wanted to present something that was in the reach of everybody. I wanted to make a Nutcracker that had more universal appeal — not something culturally removed. Ballet has a history of arrogance. There’s a small sect of the population that claims they know ballet.  It’s time to let go of that arrogance. Ballet appeals to everyone if it’s presented in a welcoming way.

The company has a rigorous performance schedule this season. The dancers have been performing this for nearly a month. How does the casting work so dancers get a day off?

 We’re in the fourth week of “The Nutcracker” and really no two shows are alike. We use more than one dancer for each character. They get Mondays off. It comes with its challenges, but it’s the best way to keep the dancers animated. This way they don’t get too comfortable in one role. This is a high-spirited cast and performing in Dorchester will be exciting for them. It’s the first venue change in six years.

Why is performing at the Strand so significant?

It’s very exciting! The Strand is where we debuted. I’ve served on the Mayor’s task force for the Strand. I watched it closely for the last 25 years. I’d like us to make residence at the Strand. It’s the beginning of a long-term relationship. There aren’t many communities that can boast having a theater of that caliber.

True, many communities have lost their old theaters.

Exactly. It’s so large and it’s wonderful for dance. It’s important to bring in large-scale productions so the Strand can sustain itself. We would love to do a training program for the Dorchester community.  We want participation. Then we could do an exchange between Harvard Square and Dorchester in dance. Dance brings people together in a way that some other art forms can’t. Music has universal appeal, but it’s better if you dance.

For tickets to “The Nutcracker” at the Strand, call 617-354-7467.