Embody
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Ballet Embody is Maryland’s premiere contemporary ballet company located in Carroll County. Co-founded in 2019 by Emily Runkle and Melissa Lineburg, Ballet Embody produces original classical and contemporary works.

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NOTES ON BALLET EMBODY’S THE MARYLAND NUTCRACKER BALLET 

The magic and tradition of The Nutcracker has brought joy and whimsy to American audiences during the holiday season for nearly a century. Its music and fantastical story keeps the familiarity in our hearts as different ballet companies have changed choreography and occasionally added their own “twist” or flavor to their production. As a Baltimore girl and Maryland native, I started dreaming up a version of The Nutcracker that Marylanders could find especially fun and unique as our own diverse and quirky Maryland culture. May we all fully experience the magic of each Maryland season, grateful for what each brings to our lives. 

Enjoy the holidays this year, and cherish the time with your loved ones. May your days be merry and bright,

Emily Runkle

Artistic Director | Ballet Embody

Act 1 opens with Clara, her brother Fritz, and her parents preparing for their Christmas Eve party. When her friends arrive, the party commences and they find themselves busy with hugs, gift giving, and dancing…until they are interrupted by the arrival of a shadowy and mysterious figure. Clara calms everyone when she announces that it’s just her godfather, Edgar Allan Poe! 

Poe tries to entertain the children with some of his current musings, such as the haunting Raven, the sickly Annabel Lee, and the terrifying Masque of the Red Death, but the children are frightened. Clara interrupts and reminds him that they are at a Christmas party, and that it’s a time for lovely, happy, Christmas-y things. Poe then uses his imagination and magic to conjure up a beloved holiday toy for her, a magical Nutcracker!

After the party, the magic of the Nutcracker creates whimsical adventures in Clara’s dreams. She steps outside her home in Baltimore and meets the Ice Queen and the Frost King, and they summon the Wintery Mix. 

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Act 2 continues Clara’s dream. Her magical Nutcracker brings in the changing of seasons, from a cold Maryland winter to a hot Maryland summer. Clara meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier (who feel quite familiar to Clara!), and together they promise to show Clara many of the wonderful things Maryland has to offer. 

From crabs, to Baltimore peppermint twists, from the beloved Maryland flag, to an Ocean City beach scene, and beyond, Clara’s dream takes her from the Western Maryland Mountains into the City and “downy oshun”! 

The Sugar Plum Fairy is a magical character and her presence draws in a holiday feel, no matter the weather. Here, she and her dashing Cavalier dance together, remindingClara to enjoy each season she is in and to welcome the holiday spirit in that present moment. Clara finally awakens from her dream, thankful to be home and thrilled about the memories she’s made with her new magical Nutcracker.