The New York Ballet opened its annual season of the Nutcracker Friday night and it's a holiday tradition at Lincoln Center. The Nutcracker runs through December 30.
You know the holiday season is here when there's a slight chill in the air, decorations start going up, everyone seems to be shopping and its opening night of the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center.
For 58 years now, New York City Ballet's production of the Nutcracker has dazzled audiences at the iconic Lincoln Center.
"It is surreal, it's amazing!" said one attendee. "As soon as we stepped out of the cab -- my gosh, it's like I've seen in so many movies."
Crowds poured into the theater for opening night. Even the littlest of audience members couldn't wait to see their favorite part of the ballet.
"The dancing, the orchestra and seeing everything live," said one young attendee.
"I like when the mouse king battles the Nutcracker," added another young fan.
Fox 5 went backstage as final preparations were made. From the wardrobe designers counting costumes, to dancers perfecting steps -- but what would any Nutcracker performance be without the Sugar Plum Fairy.
"The first time I did this I was like ‘am I really doing this right now in New York City?'" said Maria Kowroski. "You know this famous production and every year you kind of get that overwhelming feeling. You know the music right before the Sugar Plum enters in her solo -- it's like this rush."
Kowroski has been the Sugar Plum Fairy for 15 years now. Even though she's a veteran fairy, she still gets butterflies on opening night.
"There's always little nerves. I think because of all of the new people. We've been rehearsing and you can see them get excited," said Kowroski.
Since this production of George Balanchine's the Nutcracker began over a half century ago, almost everything has remained the same: The choreography, the costume and set designs.
The Nutcracker truly is a timeless classic that continues to inspire all generations.
One young fan was asked what you want to be when you grow up, "I want to be a ballerina," she said.
If you missed this performance there are 46 more here until December 30th.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:44 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:44:03 GMT
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy.
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy. The Fox 5 weather team is calling for sunny skies on Sunday and Monday.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:34 PM EDT2013-05-25 01:34:31 GMT
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested by New York City police after investigating a report of her allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building.
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested by New York City police after investigating a report of her allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:15 PM EDT2013-05-25 01:15:35 GMT
When workers installed one of the much-heralded bike-sharing stations on West 22nd Street near 10th Avenue, they put it right in front of the brownstones.
When workers installed one of the much-heralded bike-sharing stations on West 22nd Street near 10th Avenue, they put it right in front of the brownstones, impacting the entrances for homeowners and tenants.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:09 PM EDT2013-05-24 22:09:59 GMT
New York State has 17,000 highway bridges. There are some bad ones. The Tappan Zee Bridge, for example, is set to be replaced because of aging infrastructure.
New York State has 17,000 highway bridges. There are some bad ones. The Tappan Zee Bridge, for example, is set to be replaced because of aging infrastructure.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:33 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:33:47 GMT
New Jersey Transit bus riders will soon have a new way to get across the Hudson River: by boat. The agency is partnering with New York Waterways, which will provide ferry service to customers. The
New Jersey Transit bus riders will soon have a new way to get across the Hudson River: by boat. The agency is partnering with New York Waterways, which will provide ferry service to customers. The
Friday, May 24 2013 3:29 PM EDT2013-05-24 19:29:58 GMT
The National Park Service is ending unpaid leave for U.S. Park Police officers earlier than expected. National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis said the furloughs will end on June 3, after just
The National Park Service is ending unpaid leave for U.S. Park Police officers earlier than expected. National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis said the furloughs will end on June 3, after just
Friday, May 24 2013 1:25 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:25:15 GMT
The engineer of the commuter train that derailed last week in Connecticut observed an "unusual condition" on the track before the wreck, federal officials said Friday.
The engineer of the commuter train that derailed last week in Connecticut observed an "unusual condition" on the track before the wreck, federal officials said Friday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:04 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:04:45 GMT
Former Rep. Anthony Weiner launched his campaign for mayor of New York City this week, but his website seems to indicate he is running for office in Pittsburgh. The stylized and colorized image used in
Former Rep. Anthony Weiner launched his campaign for mayor of New York City this week, but his website seems to indicate he is running for office in Pittsburgh. The stylized and colorized image used in
KTTV FOX 11 1999 S. Bundy Dr. Los Angeles CA 90025
