2.5 out of 4 stars



Flamenco, urban tap and swing: BalletRox's "Urban Nutcracker" isn't what you may be used to from your typical "Nutcracker."

But E.T.A. Hoffmann's story and Tchaikovsky's music are still in this show, along with a few updates from Anthony Williams, a former principal dancer with the Boston Ballet and the founder of BalletRox.

BalletRox's mission is to expose urban youth to the wonders of professional dance, something they might not normally get. Williams grew up in the Bromley-Heath Housing Projects and was headed down a dangerous path as a gang member before discovering ballet. He got a scholarship from the Boston School of Ballet and pursued a career as a dancer with some of the best companies in the world.

Williams has tried to do something similar for the kids in his program. He has brought in some talented dancers, including Khalid Hill from "Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk"; flamenco dancer Isaac de los Reyes; Japanese prima ballerina Mifa Ko; Yoel Cassell, who will appear on Broadway in "Gepetto and Son"; and New England Break Dancing Champion Liem Nguyen.

The professionals in the show are amazing. While Hill's urban tap or Reyes' flamenco moves might be unusual parts for a "Nutcracker," both blend easily into the styles and music showcased in this production. Casting a flamenco dancer also seems like an inspired idea, especially when his moves and rhythms seemed to fit so easily into parts of the story.

Beyond the headliners, dance students from the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Island Moving Company and the Boston Conservatory fill the cast. Finally, more than 50 children from the Jamaica Plain School of Dance, West Roxbury School of Dance and other dance schools round out the cast.

The kids charm in the show, which is made for this sort of collaboration between the professionals and students. But some of the kids could have used a little more work or wrangling, especially some of the urban tappers.

Parts of the show bordered on brilliant. The Dew Drop Fairy and her flowery minions were especially fresh, alternating between the classical interpretation of the traditional story and a jazzy update. Ko was sublime as the Snow Fairy, every move filled with grace and enviable perfection.

While the show itself worked well, it was hard to appreciate on opening night due to some rowdy audience members. Performers were heckled with nary an usher to be found, and some stern talks from Williams and other members of BalletRox didn't seem to quell them. Hopefully, this was an isolated occurrence, but there should be better rules of decorum enforced by ushers.

While this might not be the most technically perfect "Nutcracker" you'll see this season, it is definitely an interesting one and worth checking out.

IF YOU GO

What: "Urban Nutcracker," presented by BalletRox

When: Today and tomorrow, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1:30 p.m.

Where: John Hancock Hall, 180 Berkeley St., Boston

How: Tickets $20 to $40. Call TicketFusion at 877-548-3237 or visit www.Ticketfusion.com.