SAN DIEGO — The Nutcracker is getting an overhaul and San Diego State is inviting everyone to come out and see their new twist to the classic.
It's The Nutcracker like you've never seen before.
The SDSU Diamonds are putting on their Christmas special: Majorette Nutcracker on December 16 at 5 p.m. at Montezuma Hall.
Brionna Jones, SDSU Diamonds Coach and Director of the Majorette Nutcracker says it’s time to put a spin on the classic and infuse some culture.
"You have watched The Nutcracker. You've seen it. You probably know some of the choreography. But I felt like this was an opportunity for us to do it in our version. This type of Nutcracker is not what you stand and clap for - that's not what it is. I want everyone up, dancing, facetiming their homegirls because it's a party!," Jones said.
Jones told CBS 8, what better way to infuse that culture than with a majorette style you’d typically see at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
"It's (HBCU style majorette dance) still fairly new to the San Diego area and San Diego State and California in general. With the Diamonds celebrating their 11th year and season, they were the first ones on the West Coast to do it, so it only feels right to bring it here," Jones said.
Johvonne Roberts, SDSU Diamonds' Head Captain says the twist on the classic was a completely new idea for the team.
"At first we were kind of like, I don't know. How is this going to go? And when she told us her vision and the layout we were all on board; it really just pushes us to improve," Roberts said.
Roberts says this showing of the Majorette Nutcracker allows her team to shine in a way they haven’t been able to.
"We’re not caring about the restrictions they've put on us in the past, not being able to perform on the field sometimes, not being included in some performances - This is our show, for us, by us," she said.
Reyna Soto’s daughter Neveah performs with SDSU Diamonds from another community dance troupe. Reyna says she’s excited for the twist on the classic.
"There's different variations of the Nutcracker, but I don't think I've seen one with a combination of jazz, hip hop, battling, HBCU Majorettes, and many techniques that we don't get as Californians," Soto said.
Soto also says Neveah has not only grown in confidence and skill, but being a part of the production is having a whole other positive effect.
"She wants to go to SDSU just because of the Nutcracker. So it's motivating for her. Now she's thinking about college and has goals," she said.
For tickets and more information, click here.
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