WEBVTT 00:00.533 --> 00:04.200 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% (audience applauding) 00:08.633 --> 00:12.366 align:start position:32.5% line:84.67% size:35% (upbeat music) 00:12.366 --> 00:14.600 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% The show was like a rock concert. 00:16.533 --> 00:19.100 align:start position:27.5% line:15.33% size:47.5% We're capturing the true nature of the city. 00:21.500 --> 00:23.000 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% Ilanga: Do you know how that energy is 00:23.000 --> 00:26.966 align:start position:25% line:15.33% size:50% when we all begin to (roars) it just goes constantly. 00:26.966 --> 00:31.066 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:32.5% (tap dancing) (gentle music) 00:32.733 --> 00:35.233 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:77.5% Audience is going crazy for us. 00:35.533 --> 00:37.633 align:start position:30% line:15.33% size:40% It just feels so good to be on stage 00:37.633 --> 00:39.566 align:start position:30% line:15.33% size:35% with everybody in the community. 00:41.800 --> 00:45.566 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% That audience, they just sucked up everything we did. 00:45.566 --> 00:46.833 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% (flatulence sound) 00:46.833 --> 00:48.866 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:42.5% (audience laughs) 00:48.866 --> 00:51.433 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% If we smiled, they loved it. 00:51.433 --> 00:54.866 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% (audience applauding) 00:54.866 --> 00:57.133 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% What we love about it is that we know it gives the people, 00:57.133 --> 01:00.466 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% the audience, the joy. 01:00.466 --> 01:03.033 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% They see the joy that we have on the stage. 01:03.033 --> 01:05.733 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% They see it and they take that home with them. 01:06.333 --> 01:08.300 align:start position:32.5% line:15.33% size:32.5% (light music) 01:16.366 --> 01:18.100 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% (soft piano music) 01:18.500 --> 01:22.533 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% The arts are really important to every community 01:22.533 --> 01:25.266 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% and many times we just take it for granted. 01:25.266 --> 01:28.133 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% I can remember going to a fifth grade school classroom 01:28.133 --> 01:30.100 align:start position:32.5% line:15.33% size:37.5% and I said, "So how many believe 01:30.100 --> 01:31.700 align:start position:30% line:15.33% size:42.5% that the arts are important to their lives?" 01:31.700 --> 01:33.400 align:start position:30% line:15.33% size:42.5% And nobody raised their hand, right? 01:33.400 --> 01:34.433 align:start position:40% line:15.33% size:17.5% Nobody. 01:34.433 --> 01:36.133 align:start position:27.5% line:15.33% size:45% And I said, "Well, do you read a book? 01:36.133 --> 01:37.733 align:start position:20% line:15.33% size:60% Do you go to the movies? 01:37.733 --> 01:40.166 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% Do you sing in the shower?" 01:40.166 --> 01:42.633 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% And all of a sudden everybody raised their hand. 01:44.233 --> 01:47.133 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% Arts generally bring people together. 01:47.133 --> 01:51.533 align:start position:20% line:15.33% size:62.5% It connects people and it allows us to see ourselves 01:51.533 --> 01:54.466 align:start position:30% line:15.33% size:42.5% in the world in a way that we may not 01:54.466 --> 01:55.866 align:start position:17.5% line:15.33% size:62.5% ordinarily see ourselves. 01:56.533 --> 01:58.733 align:start position:22.5% line:15.33% size:55% Arts are interpretive. 01:58.733 --> 02:02.666 align:start position:17.5% line:15.33% size:62.5% It's what each individual feels when they look at something, 02:02.666 --> 02:04.600 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% when they hear something. 02:05.866 --> 02:07.900 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% The arts have always reflected society. 02:07.900 --> 02:09.400 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% Dance among most of the arts. 02:10.966 --> 02:12.433 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% Ricardo: Jazz dance has always reflected 02:12.433 --> 02:15.200 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the social construct of society. 02:17.800 --> 02:20.833 align:start position:25% line:15.33% size:50% Tap dance has always been the dance style 02:20.833 --> 02:24.333 align:start position:17.5% line:15.33% size:65% that allows us to remember where we come from. 02:26.600 --> 02:28.933 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% And hip hop allows us to understand where we're going 02:28.933 --> 02:31.533 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% and where we are now. 02:31.533 --> 02:35.733 align:start position:20% line:74% size:57.5% Ballet, it allows us to understand how to be disciplined. 02:35.733 --> 02:38.333 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% It allows us to understand how to push ourselves 02:38.333 --> 02:41.233 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% past our normal limits. 02:42.233 --> 02:45.400 align:start position:32.5% line:15.33% size:30% The question of where ballet 02:45.400 --> 02:48.933 align:start position:25% line:15.33% size:50% or dance is evolving is an interesting one. 02:50.666 --> 02:52.400 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% I would like to be here in 50 years 02:52.400 --> 02:54.333 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% to see where it's going to. 02:56.400 --> 03:00.066 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% Ballet will probably die out 03:00.066 --> 03:03.466 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% if it's still an aristocratic white thing. 03:04.966 --> 03:07.800 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% (lighthearted piano music) 03:11.333 --> 03:13.833 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% As a kid growing up, I was an athlete. 03:13.833 --> 03:17.733 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:52.5% I became very good at baseball and I ran track 03:17.733 --> 03:21.533 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% and I was also in trouble from time to time. 03:21.533 --> 03:25.366 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% I was what they call a JD, juvenile delinquent. 03:26.200 --> 03:28.800 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% I came to dance late, at 16. 03:28.800 --> 03:32.133 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% It was a way to finally, for the first time in my life, 03:32.133 --> 03:36.033 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% find a pathway to express myself, 03:36.033 --> 03:40.133 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% my inner thoughts and feelings and my soul. 03:48.533 --> 03:50.900 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% I really progressed very quickly. 03:53.533 --> 03:56.533 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:52.5% I could sort of sense that I was being groomed 03:56.533 --> 04:00.933 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:52.5% as the principal male dancer of the Boston Ballet. 04:01.966 --> 04:03.233 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:77.5% I was tall, I was six feet one, 04:04.800 --> 04:06.133 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% and I could jump very high 04:07.933 --> 04:12.633 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% and within a year I was on stage and so I was on my way. 04:15.733 --> 04:20.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% At that time, everyone was white and mostly from the suburbs 04:20.333 --> 04:22.333 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% and I'm a city kid from the projects. 04:24.400 --> 04:25.266 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% Some people would look at me and say, 04:25.266 --> 04:26.566 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:37.5% "What are you?" 04:28.300 --> 04:32.200 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:52.5% Being biracial with a white mother, Black father 04:32.200 --> 04:35.866 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% was very interesting for people both Black and white. 04:37.266 --> 04:41.733 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% I remember my friend saw my father in the window. 04:41.733 --> 04:44.366 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% He says, "You know, you're what they call a mulatto." 04:44.366 --> 04:45.666 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% And I said, "What's that?" 04:46.866 --> 04:49.666 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% "You have a Black father and a white mother." 04:51.600 --> 04:58.733 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% As a kid, I always questioned what it was to be biracial 04:59.600 --> 05:03.233 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% and so I wanted to join Black and white urban experience 05:04.633 --> 05:07.666 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% with the aristocratic experience of ballet. 05:11.533 --> 05:15.133 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% I guess I've become more of a community artistic activist 05:16.200 --> 05:18.200 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:77.5% more than an artistic director. 05:19.866 --> 05:26.233 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% It means finding a way to engage the community 05:26.233 --> 05:31.166 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% through art that's lasting and survivable, 05:31.166 --> 05:35.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% and that can open up the minds, especially of young people, 05:35.800 --> 05:37.633 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% all colors, all stripes. 05:39.733 --> 05:42.300 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% (light drumming music) 05:48.800 --> 05:50.966 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% Through the first five or six years 05:50.966 --> 05:53.100 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% it was all very experimental. 05:54.433 --> 05:57.766 align:start position:32.5% line:84.67% size:35% (upbeat music) 05:57.766 --> 06:00.500 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% We were more community based 06:00.500 --> 06:03.533 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% with a few professional dancers in it. 06:03.533 --> 06:05.733 align:start position:35% line:84.67% size:30% (soft music) 06:11.533 --> 06:16.633 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% It was more radical presence, you know, 06:17.066 --> 06:18.300 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% hey, we're making a statement here. 06:20.333 --> 06:22.400 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:47.5% (audience cheering) 06:22.400 --> 06:26.033 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% The first show was kind of rough, but it was a big success. 06:26.033 --> 06:28.400 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% We were at the Strand Theatre, it was sold out. 06:28.400 --> 06:29.966 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:47.5% We did three shows. 06:32.100 --> 06:35.566 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:60% Melodi: The Strand is in Uphams' Corner in Dorchester. 06:35.566 --> 06:38.833 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% We have a Korean Asian community here. 06:38.833 --> 06:42.500 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% We have Irish community, we have Cape Verdean, 06:42.500 --> 06:45.300 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% other Hispanic communities here. 06:45.300 --> 06:48.700 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:70% So we have everybody in this neighborhood and they're close. 06:48.700 --> 06:51.466 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% We bring in those people 06:51.466 --> 06:54.633 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% that may not necessarily come to this area 06:54.633 --> 06:57.566 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% because there hadn't been shows that were welcoming. 06:59.766 --> 07:04.200 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% With Boston being as segregated as it was before, 07:04.200 --> 07:08.133 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% people weren't in a comfortable place 07:08.133 --> 07:11.566 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:57.5% where they wanted to be involved with certain things 07:11.566 --> 07:14.633 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% and that is changing now and it has to change 07:14.633 --> 07:17.800 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% for a city to progress, to be progressive, 07:17.800 --> 07:21.033 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% to move forward, to be culturally inclusive. 07:22.700 --> 07:26.300 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:60% I think Urban Nutcracker was part of that propulsion 07:26.300 --> 07:28.800 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% to say, "Hey, the Strand is alive 07:28.800 --> 07:31.433 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% and it's kicking and it's in our community." 07:31.433 --> 07:34.133 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% And then we have this Nutcracker 07:34.133 --> 07:36.966 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that's not a regular Nutcracker, 07:36.966 --> 07:39.766 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% so it brought in people from different places. 07:39.766 --> 07:42.800 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% It brought in schools from the suburbs 07:42.800 --> 07:45.366 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% that if for no other reason were curious 07:45.366 --> 07:48.700 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% about what is an urban nutcracker? 07:48.700 --> 07:51.300 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% What is that all about? 07:52.300 --> 07:55.066 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% (heavy beat and orchestral musi 08:00.133 --> 08:02.066 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% Gianni: Seeing how diverse it was 08:02.066 --> 08:03.600 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% and coming from the Boston Ballet of course, 08:03.600 --> 08:06.066 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% it was like, wow, this is so cool 08:06.066 --> 08:08.466 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:52.5% to be in a Nutcracker where they have hip hop, 08:08.466 --> 08:11.166 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% tap dancing, and everything 08:11.166 --> 08:13.433 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% was just a little bit out of the box 08:13.433 --> 08:15.500 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% of being in the classical world. 08:18.100 --> 08:20.100 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% Melodi: Community is the heartbeat of the city. 08:22.766 --> 08:24.366 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% If you don't have an outlet 08:24.366 --> 08:27.266 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% for those communities and those smaller groups, 08:27.266 --> 08:30.000 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:32.5% then you lose something in the city. 08:30.000 --> 08:31.966 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% It's like taking arts out of the school. 08:31.966 --> 08:33.300 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% When you take them out of the school, 08:33.300 --> 08:35.133 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% you've lost something very important. 08:41.200 --> 08:43.166 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% Lee: It's clear that the brilliance of Tony 08:43.166 --> 08:46.300 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% is to draw upon the diversity of Boston 08:47.933 --> 08:51.900 align:start position:32.5% line:15.33% size:35% and bring that rich diversity 08:51.900 --> 08:55.533 align:start position:17.5% line:15.33% size:62.5% and all of its many forms and permutations to the stage 08:59.333 --> 09:03.033 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% and he's doing it in a city 09:03.033 --> 09:08.533 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% that has been very troubled around the issue of race. 09:14.833 --> 09:17.400 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% Janelle: I believe there's a part for everybody here. 09:17.400 --> 09:20.600 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% If you can do one type of dance or another, 09:20.600 --> 09:22.733 align:start position:17.5% line:15.33% size:65% it's kind of all inclusive 09:22.733 --> 09:25.133 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% and I feel like it brings in the audience. 09:25.133 --> 09:27.133 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% It's not just gonna be straight ballet. 09:28.600 --> 09:31.033 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% Ilanga: We've had the Russian dances and the- 09:31.033 --> 09:33.633 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% Georgian dancing in which was really wild 09:33.633 --> 09:36.133 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% 'cause these guys would like hit the swords 09:36.133 --> 09:37.966 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% and sparks would, you know, like it was for real. 09:37.966 --> 09:40.233 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% It wasn't like pretending. 09:40.233 --> 09:42.766 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:35% Sword dancing. Turkish dancing. 09:42.766 --> 09:46.866 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% The Flamenco versus the hip hop dancer 09:46.866 --> 09:48.333 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% We have the Indian, the Bollywood. 09:48.333 --> 09:49.300 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% The Bollywood, yeah. 09:51.233 --> 09:52.600 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% Ricardo: Everyone that I spoke to 09:52.600 --> 09:55.366 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% were really thrilled with the fact 09:55.366 --> 09:58.333 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% that we were incorporating so much of our community 09:58.333 --> 10:00.066 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:40% within the show. 10:00.066 --> 10:01.433 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% It was like, oh my God, 10:01.433 --> 10:02.866 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% we want more of this, we want more. 10:08.400 --> 10:10.366 align:start position:32.5% line:15.33% size:32.5% (light music) 10:14.300 --> 10:15.600 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% Tony: When I think of myself as a dancer, 10:15.600 --> 10:16.700 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% I said, "Did you really dance? 10:16.700 --> 10:18.700 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Could you really do that stuff?" 10:18.700 --> 10:21.033 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% I have to look at the pictures and say, "Yeah, you did." 10:21.033 --> 10:23.966 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:77.5% I'm teaching and I choreograph. 10:23.966 --> 10:26.966 align:start position:30% line:15.33% size:37.5% I sort of found that passion 10:26.966 --> 10:29.833 align:start position:30% line:15.33% size:40% that I lost when I stopped dancing. 10:29.833 --> 10:31.900 align:start position:32.5% line:84.67% size:35% (upbeat music) 10:36.366 --> 10:41.000 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% Ricardo: Dancing gave me this idea of I have a personality, 10:41.000 --> 10:44.066 align:start position:30% line:15.33% size:42.5% I'm an individual and because of that 10:44.066 --> 10:46.900 align:start position:25% line:15.33% size:45% and because people recognize me as a dancer, 10:46.900 --> 10:51.400 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% a lot of that I'll say for lack of a better term 10:51.400 --> 10:54.900 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% positive self-esteem just started to grow. 10:57.366 --> 10:58.566 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% AJ: I started in the Urban Nutcracker 10:58.566 --> 11:00.700 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% when I was eight in 2012. 11:00.700 --> 11:02.933 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% I've been many roles. 11:02.933 --> 11:05.733 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% The main one is Clarisse, which is what we call our Clara, 11:05.733 --> 11:07.000 align:start position:32.5% line:84.67% size:35% the lead role. 11:09.166 --> 11:10.266 align:start position:32.5% line:84.67% size:32.5% Oh I love it. 11:10.266 --> 11:11.766 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% I just love performing 11:11.766 --> 11:13.133 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% and I love performing the Urban Nutcracker. 11:15.800 --> 11:18.866 align:start position:20% line:15.33% size:57.5% Being able to celebrate so many different parts 11:18.866 --> 11:22.466 align:start position:20% line:15.33% size:57.5% of Boston through dance is I think amazing. 11:26.000 --> 11:30.000 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% We were looking for a school 11:30.000 --> 11:31.933 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% that represented the community we wanted to be part of, 11:37.166 --> 11:40.266 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% and when we saw at Tony's was that environment 11:40.266 --> 11:43.366 align:start position:25% line:15.33% size:50% that represented the Boston we wanted AJ to know, 11:44.733 --> 11:47.433 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% the diversity in where people came from, 11:47.433 --> 11:49.600 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% diversity in backgrounds, 11:49.600 --> 11:52.066 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% the diversity in body types. 11:52.066 --> 11:56.033 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% Everything was what we thought AJ would benefit from 11:56.033 --> 11:58.600 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% and what we as a family think is important. 12:02.900 --> 12:06.166 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% Battement, battement, plie, and turn. 12:08.633 --> 12:11.166 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% I think any parent is lucky to find the community 12:11.166 --> 12:12.600 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:37.5% for their kids. 12:14.033 --> 12:16.166 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% We were very fortunate by that 12:16.166 --> 12:19.333 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% and so these schools like this 12:19.333 --> 12:23.300 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% like Tony's are special in that what they give back 12:23.300 --> 12:25.000 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% to the community and what they give to the parents 12:25.000 --> 12:28.266 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% and especially the kids who grow up dancing in them. 12:31.166 --> 12:33.133 align:start position:32.5% line:84.67% size:32.5% (light music) 12:37.300 --> 12:39.233 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% Erika: When I was a child at Boston Ballet School 12:39.233 --> 12:40.900 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% I was told I could not be a party child 12:40.900 --> 12:43.366 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% or Clara because I was Black. 12:43.366 --> 12:46.366 align:start position:27.5% line:15.33% size:42.5% That was my first like realization 12:46.366 --> 12:47.700 align:start position:22.5% line:15.33% size:52.5% that I was different. 12:48.800 --> 12:50.066 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% When I was growing up, 12:50.066 --> 12:52.766 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% there were no Black women in the company. 12:52.766 --> 12:54.833 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% There were no Black teachers. 12:54.833 --> 12:57.833 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% Every year in Boston Ballet we would get evaluations 12:57.833 --> 13:00.333 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% at the end of the year and I would say, 13:00.333 --> 13:02.366 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% "When are you gonna have a Black Sugarplum?" 13:02.366 --> 13:04.733 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% And every year I got a different response. 13:10.733 --> 13:12.766 align:start position:17.5% line:15.33% size:62.5% The arts sector in Boston 13:12.766 --> 13:16.333 align:start position:17.5% line:15.33% size:62.5% hasn't served communities of color in the past. 13:16.333 --> 13:18.433 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% It's not really something 13:18.433 --> 13:20.600 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% that is done on purpose necessarily. 13:20.600 --> 13:22.266 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% It's a two-way street. 13:22.266 --> 13:25.966 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% Sometimes it's a matter of people of color 13:25.966 --> 13:29.800 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% segregating themselves by not being comfortable 13:29.800 --> 13:32.166 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% and sometimes it's an organization 13:32.166 --> 13:35.333 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% that creates separation just by not expanding 13:35.333 --> 13:37.100 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% who they're reaching out to. 13:38.433 --> 13:41.800 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:47.5% (light piano music) 13:41.800 --> 13:43.533 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% AJ: Ballet's very binary. 13:43.533 --> 13:45.100 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:37.5% I'm non-binary. 13:48.733 --> 13:52.866 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% It's still a bit of a struggle trying to find my place. 13:52.866 --> 13:54.900 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% But as I've gotten older 13:54.900 --> 13:57.333 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% I have met other non-binary dancers 13:57.333 --> 14:00.433 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% which I think has really helped me decide 14:00.433 --> 14:02.533 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% that I don't have to stop doing what I love 14:02.533 --> 14:04.666 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% just because of what I identify as. 14:10.600 --> 14:12.266 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% Janelle: Tony asked me to do Sugarplum 14:12.266 --> 14:15.066 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% just the variation at the school show 14:15.066 --> 14:18.466 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% and at the Strand and all the little kids 14:18.466 --> 14:21.400 align:start position:20% line:15.33% size:60% they saw me in this tutu and they were like, "Woo." 14:21.400 --> 14:25.233 align:start position:20% line:15.33% size:60% So then the next year he had me do it the full thing. 14:32.733 --> 14:34.966 align:start position:20% line:15.33% size:60% You were Boston Ballet's first Black Sugarplum. 14:34.966 --> 14:36.233 align:start position:45% line:15.33% size:10% Yep. 14:36.233 --> 14:37.233 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:30% Interesting. <v ->Yeah. 14:37.233 --> 14:39.300 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% And so I was looking at Arabian Queen 14:39.300 --> 14:42.933 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% for seven years and somebody said, "No, look down." 14:42.933 --> 14:46.066 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% And I saw my name down for Sugarplum and I was like, "Oh." 14:46.066 --> 14:49.900 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% And I was just like, "wow, this is the neatest thing ever" 14:51.700 --> 14:53.900 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% They had CityDance kids come to the show 14:53.900 --> 14:56.033 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% and they had the children 14:56.033 --> 14:57.800 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% draw their favorite part of Nutcracker 14:57.800 --> 14:59.700 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% and somebody drew a little brown Sugarplum fairy 14:59.700 --> 15:01.833 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% and that was really sweet. 15:03.133 --> 15:04.133 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Impressive, they were impressed. 15:04.133 --> 15:06.333 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:47.5% It was good to see. 15:06.333 --> 15:07.833 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% It was 'cause I mean, you know, one of the whole things 15:07.833 --> 15:09.800 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% about CityDance was getting these kids 15:09.800 --> 15:12.166 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% from Boston Public Schools interested 15:12.166 --> 15:14.133 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% and especially little brown children. 15:15.766 --> 15:17.500 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% It was really nice to see 15:17.500 --> 15:20.000 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% that these kids were like getting to see this on stage. 15:22.066 --> 15:23.800 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% Lee: The difference between equality 15:23.800 --> 15:26.066 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% and equity is opportunity. 15:26.066 --> 15:29.733 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:70% For many of the young people who come to these productions 15:29.733 --> 15:32.900 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% for the very first time, that world is invisible to them. 15:32.900 --> 15:34.333 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% It has been invisible to them. 15:34.333 --> 15:35.966 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% It's invisible to their parents, 15:35.966 --> 15:37.700 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% it's invisible to communities. 15:38.633 --> 15:42.233 align:start position:32.5% line:84.67% size:35% (bright music) 15:42.233 --> 15:45.066 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% And what we want to do and need to do 15:45.066 --> 15:47.233 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% is to make the invisible, visible. 15:47.233 --> 15:50.033 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% So that all can participate 15:50.033 --> 15:51.966 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% in the joy, the exhilaration, the excitement. 15:54.800 --> 15:57.266 align:start position:25% line:15.33% size:50% (light upbeat music) 16:01.133 --> 16:04.466 align:start position:25% line:15.33% size:52.5% Tony has actually had people see Urban Nutcracker, 16:04.466 --> 16:06.500 align:start position:22.5% line:15.33% size:55% sign up for his school 16:06.500 --> 16:08.733 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% and eventually get to be a part of it. 16:08.733 --> 16:11.300 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% It's all about our community. 16:14.433 --> 16:16.533 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% Erica: Kids come to see the Urban Nutcracker 16:16.533 --> 16:20.266 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% that maybe have never seen ballet before or dance at all, 16:20.266 --> 16:22.233 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% and then they suddenly wanna come here 16:22.233 --> 16:23.633 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:52.5% because they wanna be in the Urban Nutcracker. 16:26.066 --> 16:28.533 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% Ilanga: And they begin to realize "God, I can be in that?" 16:30.100 --> 16:33.200 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% That become like a buzz through the city, and the kids, 16:33.200 --> 16:35.566 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% we had a lot of kids coming for the audition. 16:38.933 --> 16:41.000 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:77.5% Tony was the one that initiated 16:41.000 --> 16:44.333 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% that whole sweep of going into the community 16:44.333 --> 16:47.166 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% to get dancers, canvassed the area. 16:47.166 --> 16:48.633 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% I think it's also important 16:48.633 --> 16:51.766 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% that like our auditions are open to everybody. 16:51.766 --> 16:55.166 align:start position:22.5% line:74% size:55% Gianni: You have these personalities that come to audition 16:55.166 --> 16:57.833 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% that when, let's say for example, we say, okay, 16:57.833 --> 17:00.366 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% it's time to put on the pointe shoes and do your thing. 17:00.366 --> 17:01.666 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% And we teach 'em a few steps 17:01.666 --> 17:03.433 align:start position:30% line:15.33% size:40% and then you see them meltdown. 17:03.433 --> 17:04.600 align:start position:25% line:15.33% size:50% They go, "Oh my God, I'm not a ballet. 17:04.600 --> 17:05.700 align:start position:35% line:15.33% size:30% I cannot put pointe shoes." 17:05.900 --> 17:07.500 align:start position:17.5% line:15.33% size:60% But then we talk to them and says, "Okay, what can you do?" 17:12.566 --> 17:14.500 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% At one point they were melting 17:14.500 --> 17:16.500 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:57.5% but then you bring what they do best and they shine. 17:18.533 --> 17:21.300 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% (upbeat orchestral music) 17:31.200 --> 17:33.733 align:start position:20% line:15.33% size:57.5% A lot of our inner city kids think that ballet 17:33.733 --> 17:38.400 align:start position:20% line:15.33% size:60% is a dance style for the rich, you know, the high society. 17:38.400 --> 17:41.100 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:60% It's like, no, ballet is an art form for everyone. 17:41.100 --> 17:43.433 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:32.5% You just need someone to teach it. 17:43.433 --> 17:45.866 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% Same thing with hip hop. 17:45.866 --> 17:49.100 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% Hip hop is not only for the inner city, 17:49.100 --> 17:52.666 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% it's not only for one class of people 17:52.666 --> 17:54.766 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% or one facet of people, one culture, 17:54.766 --> 17:56.000 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% it's for everyone. 17:57.166 --> 18:00.366 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% Having both of those things within the Urban Nutcracker 18:00.366 --> 18:02.800 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% it allows these kids to be able to say, okay, 18:02.800 --> 18:04.966 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% there are no limits. 18:04.966 --> 18:07.333 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:60% I'm learning this that I didn't think I could learn. 18:07.333 --> 18:10.033 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:52.5% I'm doing this that I didn't think I could do. 18:10.033 --> 18:11.766 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% Gianni: When I talked to Tony 18:11.766 --> 18:15.133 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% about bringing one of the students who had Down syndrome 18:15.133 --> 18:17.566 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% and I said to Tony, Tony, what about if we have 18:17.566 --> 18:19.633 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:57.5% one of my students come be part of the production? 18:19.633 --> 18:21.066 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% I mean, there was no question asked. 18:21.066 --> 18:22.300 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% It was bring him in, let's put him in the show. 18:28.666 --> 18:31.933 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% [Teacher] Left food behind, take it to the right. 18:31.933 --> 18:33.566 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% Because he thought that that was so important 18:33.566 --> 18:36.966 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% to have somebody from this population 18:36.966 --> 18:39.433 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% to be part of the production of the Nutcracker. 18:46.300 --> 18:48.233 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% I mean, this has become his life. 18:51.100 --> 18:53.600 align:start position:25% line:15.33% size:52.5% Tony: The Nutcracker, Urban Nutcracker in this case, 18:53.600 --> 18:57.366 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:52.5% is a family show that the parents feel happy 18:59.700 --> 19:03.200 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% that their kids are being inspired 19:03.200 --> 19:06.966 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% to become better successful adults. 19:10.666 --> 19:12.133 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% There are multi-generations 19:12.133 --> 19:14.233 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% where he's had the kids of kids, 19:14.233 --> 19:16.733 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% he had his teachers come back 19:16.733 --> 19:19.400 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:77.5% and that was a big thing for us 19:19.400 --> 19:21.000 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% learning how rooted it was in the community. 19:27.633 --> 19:29.766 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% I've always wanted to, you know, be that mentor. 19:29.766 --> 19:31.466 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% Then we're gonna go straight to fifth, 19:31.466 --> 19:33.733 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% same thing as first, plie. 19:33.733 --> 19:35.266 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% And I think that just came 19:35.266 --> 19:37.566 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% from wanting to share my love of dance 19:37.566 --> 19:40.666 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% and wanting to help build the community 19:40.666 --> 19:44.833 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% the way the people before built my community. 19:44.833 --> 19:47.633 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% Good, don't look down, and away from the barre. 19:47.633 --> 19:49.866 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% Being in the Urban Nutcracker also just gave me 19:49.866 --> 19:52.233 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% that drive to want to teach. 19:55.666 --> 19:57.666 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:77.5% There has been wonderful talent 19:57.666 --> 19:59.933 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% that's been through the production who have moved 19:59.933 --> 20:03.100 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% over to the Boston Ballet, which is, it's been great. 20:03.100 --> 20:04.366 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% I mean it's, you know, 20:04.366 --> 20:06.733 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% we're feeding the bigger picture of the art. 20:06.733 --> 20:08.700 align:start position:32.5% line:84.67% size:32.5% (tap dancing) 20:11.333 --> 20:14.033 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:70% And then you had like Khalid and myself who were, you know 20:14.033 --> 20:16.233 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% you caught us when we were budding 20:16.233 --> 20:19.366 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% and just starting and then how we've grown 20:19.366 --> 20:21.566 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% and how we've done our own thing as well. 20:21.566 --> 20:23.733 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% So I think that's one of the big things 20:23.733 --> 20:25.233 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% about the Urban Nutcracker as well 20:25.233 --> 20:27.900 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% is that it's done the special thing 20:27.900 --> 20:30.633 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% of introducing these brand new artists 20:30.633 --> 20:35.300 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% that have really put Boston on the map as an artistic city. 20:36.066 --> 20:39.066 align:start position:17.5% line:15.33% size:60% We've been a producer of many shows over the years 20:39.066 --> 20:42.366 align:start position:17.5% line:15.33% size:60% that traditionally don't do well in segregated cities. 20:42.366 --> 20:43.233 align:start position:37.5% line:84.67% size:25% All right. 20:43.233 --> 20:44.533 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:40% They just don't. 20:46.300 --> 20:48.700 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% What Urban Nutcracker does is breaks down that barrier. 20:51.533 --> 20:54.333 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% (light orchestral music) 21:01.733 --> 21:06.366 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% The key to legitimizing shows as much as you possibly can 21:06.366 --> 21:10.800 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:57.5% is to play downtown and to play to new audiences 21:10.800 --> 21:12.866 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% and figure out how you get the diverse audiences to come 21:12.866 --> 21:14.533 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% and see you downtown. 21:16.800 --> 21:19.433 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% And our goal was to get shows to come in here 21:19.433 --> 21:21.766 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% that would ask the African American 21:21.766 --> 21:24.333 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% or Black community to come downtown, 21:24.333 --> 21:27.933 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% ask the Latin community to come downtown, 21:27.933 --> 21:30.133 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% ask the Brazilian community to come downtown. 21:30.133 --> 21:32.066 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% And I'm very pleased to say 21:32.066 --> 21:33.900 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% we've been very successful at that. 21:33.900 --> 21:37.400 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% (light upbeat music) 21:37.400 --> 21:40.100 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% The idea is to bring people into that community 21:40.100 --> 21:43.100 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% to have these great experiences in the theaters. 21:43.100 --> 21:45.100 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% It will bring not only new revenue 21:45.100 --> 21:47.300 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:32.5% but also will revitalize the theaters. 21:49.866 --> 21:53.933 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% Our theater district here in Boston is iconic, 21:53.933 --> 21:55.833 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% so to be able to bring the Urban Nutcracker 21:55.833 --> 21:58.333 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:42.5% into that setting 21:58.333 --> 22:01.933 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% I think helps us to reimagine what it means to be iconic. 22:03.066 --> 22:05.633 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% It helps us to reimagine 22:05.633 --> 22:07.900 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% what it means to be part of the canon. 22:07.900 --> 22:12.533 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% In fact, what Tony is doing is reimagining the canon 22:12.533 --> 22:16.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% and is making a clear statement that the arts don't belong 22:16.200 --> 22:20.266 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% to a privileged few, but they belong to all of us 22:20.266 --> 22:23.800 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% and all of us from different groups 22:23.800 --> 22:27.133 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% and representations can and should participate 22:27.133 --> 22:31.566 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% in the audience as cast members and as part of the crew. 22:36.233 --> 22:39.533 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% Urban Nutcracker has really left an impact 22:39.533 --> 22:41.800 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% on the community in the city 22:41.800 --> 22:44.333 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% within the whole theater culture of the city. 22:44.333 --> 22:46.566 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% Strong impact and it deserves the city 22:46.566 --> 22:49.000 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% because both have exchanged very much. 22:49.000 --> 22:51.066 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% Both have put in a lot. 22:52.933 --> 22:54.266 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% The city has given us a lot 22:54.266 --> 22:56.133 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% with the children, the community 22:56.133 --> 22:58.066 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% and we have given them a lot 22:58.066 --> 23:00.966 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:77.5% with the arts that we pour out. 23:00.966 --> 23:04.500 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:60% There are cities who are interested in what we are doing 23:04.500 --> 23:07.400 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% because they know Urban left the impact. 23:07.400 --> 23:10.266 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% (lighthearted jazzy music) 23:11.933 --> 23:14.900 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% I remember seeing his Nutcracker 23:14.900 --> 23:16.733 align:start position:20% line:15.33% size:60% and I remember thinking, "Oh, that's a great idea." 23:16.733 --> 23:19.800 align:start position:35% line:15.33% size:30% You know, to not be limited 23:19.800 --> 23:23.300 align:start position:22.5% line:15.33% size:52.5% to the musical tracks of "The Nutcracker." 23:23.300 --> 23:24.866 align:start position:25% line:15.33% size:50% Taking a little more freedom with the musical structure 23:24.866 --> 23:27.000 align:start position:27.5% line:15.33% size:45% I think influenced me for sure. 23:28.933 --> 23:30.500 align:start position:37.5% line:15.33% size:27.5% I think the Brooklyn Nutcracker 23:30.500 --> 23:33.900 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:32.5% speaks to our Brooklyn community. 23:33.900 --> 23:37.666 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:57.5% It's a production where people can see themselves, 23:37.666 --> 23:41.033 align:start position:17.5% line:74% size:62.5% where people can joyously celebrate the energy of Brooklyn, 23:41.033 --> 23:43.000 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% the people of Brooklyn. 23:44.100 --> 23:46.066 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% And I think it's really important 23:46.066 --> 23:49.333 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% to provide a production that is inclusive. 23:54.266 --> 23:57.166 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% (dramatic orchestral music) 24:01.966 --> 24:06.033 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% Gianni: I think that this production has the body for it 24:06.033 --> 24:09.433 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% to become a monument of the city of Boston. 24:09.433 --> 24:11.933 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:57.5% And you know, I believe that this will continue. 24:11.933 --> 24:13.233 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:47.5% It will outlive us. 24:13.233 --> 24:15.133 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% The arts have a future. 24:17.000 --> 24:20.133 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% Any other Nutcracker you'd see it's the Nutcracker. 24:20.133 --> 24:22.000 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% You know what was going to happen. 24:22.000 --> 24:24.033 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% (Acapella singing) 24:25.933 --> 24:27.666 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% Ricardo: But with the Urban Nutcracker, you didn't. 24:27.666 --> 24:29.866 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% There was something brand new. 24:29.866 --> 24:32.733 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% That's part of why it will always evolve. 24:32.733 --> 24:34.566 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% People are gonna know, oh it's the Urban Nutcracker, 24:34.566 --> 24:35.266 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% what are they doing this year? 24:41.433 --> 24:43.600 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:52.5% Janelle: He brings in what's kind of current 24:43.600 --> 24:47.100 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% and puts that in the foreground prologue perhaps. 24:47.100 --> 24:50.066 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% So that's why it's always evolving. 24:50.066 --> 24:53.033 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:67.5% It's always kind of staying current, but then keeping that 24:53.033 --> 24:56.200 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% you know, the old school stuff in there too. 24:57.266 --> 25:01.000 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% Melodi: Making people's comfort level change 25:01.000 --> 25:04.366 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:77.5% and making people feel included 25:04.366 --> 25:08.133 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% and exposing those different cultures 25:08.133 --> 25:11.000 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% to each other and to other neighborhoods. 25:11.000 --> 25:13.300 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% It helps people grow. 25:17.066 --> 25:20.100 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% Gianni: Tony has been able to keep it very fresh always. 25:20.100 --> 25:23.566 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% Every year he adds something, he takes something out. 25:23.566 --> 25:24.933 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% You don't know where he's gonna take it, you know, 25:24.933 --> 25:26.533 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% he comes up with these ideas, 25:26.533 --> 25:28.533 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% they're like we all look around and say, 25:28.533 --> 25:30.166 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% "Okay, is that gonna happen?" 25:32.700 --> 25:34.933 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Tony: I feel very fortunate that 25:34.933 --> 25:38.933 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% I am at my age of 75 years old 25:39.600 --> 25:43.000 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% surrounded by young people that are involved 25:43.000 --> 25:46.300 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:77.5% in creating and being artistic. 25:47.366 --> 25:50.233 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:65% I'm just really happy that 25:50.233 --> 25:55.166 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:70% the project boy from Boston has a show downtown. 25:57.033 --> 25:59.866 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% (dramatic orchestral music) 26:09.366 --> 26:11.866 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% (audience applauding) 26:17.300 --> 26:19.766 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% (bright jazzy music)