REDONDO BEACH, Calif. — The classic tale of “The Nutcracker” has long found its place in holiday traditions, but in Hollywood, mentor Debbie Allen has been weaving magic for more than a decade with her unique creation of “The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker.”
With ballerinas on pointe, fairy queens gracefully twirling from the sky, and adorable young dancers full of expression and excitement, this rendition captivates audiences who can’t seem to get enough. But behind the curtains, the real magic begins, as 13-year-old dancer Shane Smith unveils the dedication required for this art form.
“Dance is a very hard sport, and it is a sport,” Shane emphasized. “You have to be still, have respect, and pay attention. Paying attention is probably the most key thing you have to do to be a great dancer.”
Shane, who has been part of the “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker” for five years, comes from a family deeply rooted in the world of performing.
“My whole family is full of dancers and actors, and my mother has her own dance studio,” Shane said. “So I’ve learned from a very young age about dancing, rhythm and timing.”
The driving force behind this extraordinary twist on a Christmas classic is none other than Debbie Allen herself, an acclaimed actress and dancer who has written, directed and choreographed the show. The score is also an original one by Arturo Sandoval, Mariah Carey, James Ingram, Chau-Giang Thi Nguyen and Thump.
Allen bustled backstage with a clipboard in hand, ready to put perfection on her prized production.
“Oh chile! Right now, I’m in battle mode,” Allen said with a laugh. “The school shows are our favorite because the children have so much fun. They scream, they holler. It’s a very honest show.”
Allen’s nonprofit, The Debbie Allen Dance Academy, gives back to the community with the school shows. On stage before the show, she urged the kids to write a letter saying thank you to Wallis Annenberg, Shonda Rhimes, the Ford Foundation and Will and Jada Smith for underwriting their tickets. The star power Allen has gathered keeps the shows subsidized, offering entertainment and inspiration to those who may not otherwise get to see it.
Eager children raised hands when asked if they’d gotten exposure to the performing arts, film and music.
“When you look at this show, I want you to see who you are,” she encouraged them.
With over a dozen years of shows, the “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker” is now eagerly awaited by audiences for its culturally infused, immersive, and hilarious rendition.
“It says to me that the ‘Hot Chocolate Nutcracker’ is now the tradition,” Allen proudly declares. “We used to be the new kid on the block, but now we are the expectation. We’re being asked to bring it to the East Coast, down South. Can it come to London? But I can only do one right now. And that’s right here in LA.”
Despite being busy filming “Grey’s Anatomy” and a host of other projects, Allen runs a tight ship, and for her, the joy comes from witnessing the growth of the children involved.
“Rehearsal is tough love. Honey, I don’t care if you’re 5 years old. You better come in here focused and quiet and ready to go. And it shows because when they get on stage, they own it.”
For young performers like Shane, being part of the “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker” is a unique opportunity to introduce new dance styles to the audience.
“This show has hip-hop, African and tap in it. So it’s a new culture. And I love getting to be a part of this show because I’m helping introduce new dance styles to everybody,” she said.
From the Dancing Roaches to the Rat Pack, the “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker” is indeed a spectacle brimming with flavor. The show continues through Dec. 10 at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. For more information, visit here.