Adelphi Orchestra to Perform in 19th Annual Production of JulieDance Nutcracker with the Donetsk Ballet of the Ukraine

Does dance exist without music? German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche's famous words "those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music" begs the age-old question. In the world of the classical arts the interdependence of dance and music is inseparable. Evidence of the interconnection between the art forms can be traced back to Monteverdi's Renaissance opera "L'Orfeo" where the composer's 1609 score clearly indicates the final chorus of shepherds who perform the moresca (Moorish dance) at the opera's end (che fecero la moresca nel fine) are actually a separate troupe. Over the next centuries, as formal dance and orchestral playing evolved, the study of ballet and symphonic music were often pursued under royal patronage. By the 1890's, when Tchaikovsky composed the Nutcracker, the composition of classical music for dance and the art form of dance itself (the ballet) had reached an unprecedented pinnacle.

Fast forward to the present - and the Adelphi Orchestra's performance in the pit for JulieDance's upcoming December performances of Nutcracker benefiting childhood cancer treatment and research. Clearly the award-winning Adelphi Orchestra's commitment to JulieDance's 19th annual holiday production underscores the seamless interconnection between the two art forms. Additionally, the Adelphi Orchestra's recent performance history expresses the sublime union of music and dance. In 2015 the Adelphi Orchestra commissioned members of NYC's Ballet Neo and debuted a new ballet in conjunction with the orchestra's concert performance of Ravel's Mother Goose Suite. In March 2017 the Adelphi Orchestra plans to present another new work of dance in collaboration with Ballet Neo in a concert entitled "Mystical Songs and Dances of Scheherazade" to Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's 1888 composition 'Scheherazade' and in April will present a concert, "At the Ballet" featuring the Joffrey Ballet concert group and Studio 691 School of Dance.

This December represents the fourth consecutive season the Adelphi Orchestra under the baton of principal conductor Richard Owen will participate in this 19-year Bergen County tradition, performing music from Tchaikovsky's universally timeless masterwork, The Nutcracker. The JulieDance Nutcracker Ballet production features members of the internationally renowned Donetsk Ballet, one of Eastern Europe's foremost dance companies, and students of the Midland Park, NJ based Miss Patti's School of Dance.

Over 185 lavishly costumed dancers bring to life the classic story of a young girl who dreams of dancing confections, soldiers marching into battle and her Nutcracker Prince on Christmas Eve. The ballet, which premiered one week before Christmas in 1892 at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg was choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov and based on an adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffman's story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by the French writer Alexander Dumas.

For two decades, the Bergen County holiday tradition has been presented by, JulieDance, a non-profit arts organization founded in 1997 by Patti and Darryl Vigon in memory of their beloved daughter, Julie. Julie succumbed to Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, at the age of 12. Julie was a promising young ballerina who distinguished herself as a student at the School of American Ballet at Lincoln Center and as a performer in the children's repertoire of many New York City Ballet productions. JulieDance is dedicated to fostering participation in and appreciation for dance and music, and to supporting the research and treatment of childhood cancer. In eighteen years, JulieDance has raised $500,000 for pediatric cancer organizations. JulieDance is a 501 (c)(3) organization. To learn more about JulieDance please visit

About the Collaborators

Donetsk Ballet, the resident company of Donetsk, Ukraine, has been regarded as one of Eastern Europe's foremost dance companies, rivaling the Bolshoi and Kirov. The touring group of the Company features 18-20 National and Honored Artists of Ukraine. Since 1993, the Donetsk Ballet, performing The Nutcracker with students of regional ballet schools throughout the Eastern United States, has delighted audiences with their masterful artistry. Charmingly complementing the Donetsk Ballet professionals with youthful beauty, artistry and energy are 160 highly trained and choreographed ballet students of Miss Patti's School of Dance,

Enjoying its 63rd season the award-winning Adelphi Orchestra is a professional, non-profit orchestra offering symphony, chamber and educational concert programs in Northern NJ and New York metropolitan area. To learn more visit www.adephiorchestra.org

Nutcracker Ballet

19th Annual Production presented by JulieDance

Performances Friday Dec. 9 at 7:30pm, Saturday Dec.10 at 7:00pm and Sunday Dec.11 @ 2:00pm. Paramus Catholic High School, 425 Paramus Road.

Tickets $40, $45

Group rates available.

For information or to purchase tickets call (201) 670-4422.

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