Memphis (TN) Memphis (TN) Nutcracker Ballet - Memphis (TN) Performances. GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER. Cannon Center For The Performing Arts. The studio offers instruction in Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, and Tumbling. The studio has been under the ownership of Tracy Spencer Hannon since 1997. Students have performed on Carnival.
ANN-SYLVIA CLARK ( Maria-Clara) was born and raised in Norway. At an early age, she began training in gymnastics, ultimately traveling across Norway and Europe with the gymnastics team. Over time, she became interested in dance, attending the Flow Dance Academy (CPH, DK), Europe’s first hip hop and urban dance school, and began pursing it as a career. She performed with Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams at the 2006 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA’s) held in Copenhagen. Since moving to New York, Ann-Sylvia’s career has flourished, with tours in the U.S. And the United Kingdom. She has performed on a variety of television shows including, “Good Day New York” on Fox 5, CBS, Telemundo and “Fake Off” on TruTV. She has also performed at the Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival, and danced in music videos for artists such as Alicia Keys, Styles P, Ben L’Oncle Soul and Laila Biali. TV viewers can find her in commercials for Samsung, Smirnoff vodka, Reebok, Digicel mobile phones, Makeup Forever cosmetics and Sixt car rental. JOSUE “BEASTMODE” FIGUEROA (The Nutcracker) – Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Florida, Josue Figueroa (aka Beastmode) discovered his passion for breaking and the performing arts at the age of 15.
His continual love and pursuit of these arts has earned him work in the “Step Up” franchise, several international breaking championship titles with his world renowned crews MIND180 and Skill Methodz, and featured roles in numerous commercials. Combining his love for dancing and acting, Josue is returning to the Hip Hop Nutcracker for the third straight year and looks forward to once again sharing the holiday spirit with audiences around the country. NUBIAN NENE ( Mom) Montreal native Nubian Nene’s muse is music. She is a well-versed dancer/choreographer who finds inspiration weaving the hip hop, house, waacking and breaking styles of dance together to create her unique approach. Her ability to expand her creativity into a choreographer, performer, producer, director and host makes her an asset to any project.
Living in New York for the past nine years has enabled Nene to work with some of the pioneers of the hip hop culture. Her lifetime involvement with cultural awareness began in 2007 when she joined the Canadian company BluePrintForLife, which teaches the principles and values of the Hip Hop Culture and aims to facilitate some of the social issues facing the Inuit communities of Northern Canada. She has done as many as fifteen weekly trips as a teacher and facilitator for the group. Nene pursues her teaching career participating in multiple dance festivals including the “Ladies of Hip Hop Festival (LOHHF)” held in Vienna, Austria; New York; Los Angeles and Toronto, Canada.
She has also participated in the “Illadelph” and “Funky Fundamentals” in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the “Block Party” in Boulder, Colorado, among others. For the last five years, Nene has served as Master of Ceremony in the “Ladies Battle,” an annual street dance competition presented by the Ladies of Hip Hop Festival (LOHHF), as well as presenting her choreography and teaching expertise at the festival for the last 10 years.
In 2013, she created dance company, A Lady in the House Co., for which she has developed and presented numerous shows. Nene’s experience as a dancer, choreographer and teacher has led her to showcase her talents on television, in music videos, and in live performances in some of the most prestigious festivals and stage productions in the world.
MICAH “JUST JAMZ” ABBREY (Dad) is an artist/choreographer and teacher with a concentration in Urban Improvisational Movement and Techniques (Freestyle/Streetdance(s)). He specializes in movement innovation and total body integration methodologies with an emphasis on musical aural skills and meditative approaches to movement in order to heighten creativity and self-awareness. LISA “LBOOGIE” BAUFORD ( Drosselmeyer) hails from St. Petersburg, Florida, where she worked on perfecting her craft as a dancer while also working as a youth development worker helping children from ages 5 to 18. Lisa’s background in dance focuses upon hip hop. She has danced with iLuminate, a dance company based on the fusion of technology and dance, which was featured on “America’s Got Talent.” She also spent more than two years performing Off Broadway in New York, where she continued to hone her craft. Lisa has also performed internationally, including Saudi Arabia, where she was one of the first women to be permitted to perform on stage. She has also travelled to New Zealand and Samoa on educational tours. RANDI “RASCAL” FREITAS ( Associate Director-Choreographer/Dance Captain/Mouse King/Ensemble)- is a professional dancer in both the underground freestyle and commercial industry scenes in Los Angeles.
A member of The Beat Freaks Crew, her recent credits consist of an AT&T commercial, sharing the stage with IAmMe Crew for their 2018 Canada tour, and appearing as a soloist on The Ellen Show for Justin Timberlake. For the past two years, Randi has been the Associate Choreographer and Director, as well as principal performer, of the Hip Hop Nutcracker national touring company. Other credits include Anthropologie, Jimmy Kimmel, Toyota, Nike, JW Marriott, The Emmy’s, Kaytranada and Meghan Trainor. Randi also works for Universoul/Hip Hop, performing in schools throughout the LA area. She is the co-creator of The Dance Fight, one of LA’s top open style battles. She has taught and battled internationally as well.
You can also find Randi among the professional teaching staff at both Debbie Reynolds Legacy Studio and Movement Lifestyle, teaching her signature style of floor movement. She hopes to continue to spread her love for dance and the arts on stages and in cyphers throughout the world. JACKIE “JK-47” AGUDO ( Tea/Ensemble) aka Bgirl JK47 of Diamonds In The Rough Crew, can serve as a role model for multi-talented, hard-working artists everywhere. A recognized international competitor, she recently took top prize at Red Bull’s 2018 “BC One Camp USA B-Girl Cypher” in Houston. In addition to performing on a plethora of stages with Project Soul, she also tours throughout the U.S. And the world as a workshop facilitator teaching, encouraging and inspiring people of all ages with her love and passion for the culture and art of street dance. Currently residing in Phoenix, Arizona, she hails from Vancouver, Canada, where she continues to be a leader in the Vancouver dance community.
As a representative in the Canadian bgirl scene, she was one of 16 Bgirls representing Canada at the first “Red Bull BC One,” held in Zurich, Switzerland. LILY FRIAS ( Toy/Ensemble) Born and raised in Mexico, Liliana (Lily) Frias has been dancing for 13 years and is currently working as a professional dancer in Los Angeles. Beginning her career as a technical dancer, Lily found her true calling when she mastered the hip hop styles and the art of freestyle.
She has been featured in a variety of productions, including “So You Think You Can Dance” (season 12), “America’s Best Dance Crew” (season 7), Cirque du Soleil, dance battles, national commercials, and Red Bull BC One 2018. She is also known for teaching and performing in the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Japan, individually and as a part of her crew known as Femme Fatale art of freestyle, specifically the styles of whacking and popping. ANTHONY “OMEN” CABRERA ( Toy/Ensemble) was born on November 7, 1983. A vivacious child, he always loved to dance—it didn’t matter if it was a family gathering or a large party.
While growing up in Boston and the Dominican Republic, he discovered hip hop and breakdancing (Bboying) through television, but it wasn’t until his high school years that he started training in Bboying. Soon after, he realized his natural ability for dancing and improved rapidly. With the body awareness to control the acrobatic elements of Bboying and the creativity to develop an original style, Omen was quickly recognized by peers and established Bboys of the dance community. Currently, Omen is part of the world-renowned Bboy crew based out of New York City, Supreme Beings. In addition to winning numerous solo and group competitions at both the national and international level, Anthony has contributed to the dance community by sitting on judging panels and conducting workshops. As a performer, he is part of both G-Force Entertainment and Raw Miami Entertainment. When he is not onboard a Carnival cruise ship as a performer, Anthony keeps busy performing for music artists, corporate parties, clubs and street shows.
![Cracker Cracker](/uploads/1/2/5/3/125365409/660715714.jpg)
His other professional interests include modeling and acting. SETH “REAKTION” HILLARD ( Russian/Ensemble) grew up in Toledo, Ohio, where he fell in love with hip hop culture – especially Bboying—at an early age. He crafted his love for dance and choreography at the Toledo School for the Arts. A true chameleon of dance, Seth combined uncanny flexibility, imaginative versatility and meticulous musicality to make a name for himself as B-boy Reaktion (rēˈakSHən), winning Midwest and National Bboy competitions. While evolving his craft in dance, Seth also developed other skills in tumbling, skateboarding and martial arts, including Capoeira. In 2012, he followed his dream and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a dance career. In just a few short months, Seth landed his target agency, booked his first audition, and was working as a professional dancer. Michael Jackson’s video, “Love Never Felt So Good” and Nick Cannon’s video, “Looking For A Dream” are just some of the work Seth has on his blossoming? resume. Featured in commercials for Pepsi, Men’s Warehouse, and a VH1 Super Bowl spot, the extremely humble and always smiling Seth has grown fast in the entertainment industry.
He credits his advances in dance to working with top choreographers such as Chuck Maldonado, Tone & Rich, Oth’than Burnside and many more. “A dancer’s job is to turn an audible art form into a visual art form. As dancers we translate music for people to physically see. We are all artists and our only job is to follow our dreams.”.
BRANDON RON ( Chocolate/Ensemble) Although Hawaiian-born Brandon Ron has an eclectic array of talents and interests, including the combat sport of Muay Thai, playing several musical instruments (guitar is his personal favorite), and giving friends fresh fade haircuts, his greatest passion by far is dancing. Five years after he begandancing in earnest, he and a crewmate competed internationally in the “Kia Dubstep World Championship” in Warsaw, Poland. They won first place, bringing home a new Kia Rio Sedan. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Brandon continues to work hard pursuing his dream of being a professional dancer. DUSTIN PAYNE (Flute/Ensemble) has been dancing and playing music as far back as her can remember. Four years ago, to pursue his dream of a career as a dancer, he drove across country from his Columbus, Georgia hometown to Los Angeles. Every year since his arrival he has achieved and surpassed the previous years’ accomplishment. Beginning the first year as a street performer on Hollywood Boulevard, he moved on the second year to win a few freestyle and popping battles.
The third year, he auditioned for “So You Think You Can Dance” (season 14), making it to the top 40 contestants, as well as winning the battle for “World of Dance (Convention)” in San Diego. This year, his fourth in LA, Dustin has twice been a battle judge for “World of Dance,” featured in the “Teen Choice Awards” after party event and featured in “So You Think You Can Dance” as one of the top 10 men (season 15). And, capping this year, he was cast in The Hip Hop Nutcracker. Kurtis Blow ( Special Guest MC) A hip-hop legend, Kurtis Blow was 20 in 1979, when he became the first rapper to be signed by a major label. Mercury released “Christmas Rappin’,” and it sold more than 400,000 copies, becoming an annual classic.
Its gold follow-up, The Breaks, helped ignite an international “Rap Attack.” He released 10 albums in over 11 years: his full-length debut, Kurtis Blow; his second, Deuce, a Top 50 Pop album and a big hit across Europe; Party Time featuring a pioneering fusion of rap and gogo; and Ego Trip, including the hits “8 Million Stories,” “AJ” and “Basketball.” In 1985 he released America, featuring “If I Ruled the World,” a Top 5 hit on Billboard’s R&B chart; Columbia/Sony recording artist Nas debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Pop Album chart with a cover of the song in 1997.
For more information, visit KurtisBlow.com. JAMES STEELE ( Production Stage Manager) is thrilled to be working with Maximum Entertainment on this fantastic production. Broadway: Mrs. Warren’s Profession (Roundabout); One Man, Two Guvnors. Tour: Small Mouth Sounds. Off-Broadway: Small Mouth Sounds (Signature), By the Water (MTC), Pageant (SAS), Tail!
Spin!, The Great Comet of 1812 (Ars Nova/Kazino), My Name is Asher Lev (Westside Theatre), An Iliad (NYTW), The Tribute Artist (Primary Stages), The Divine Sister (DRTM). Thanks to Jenn, Eva, Carl, Rebecca and Josh, as always love to Mom and Gram. OTH’THAN BURNSIDE (Stylist) was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. She moved to California in 1992 to pursue her dream in the entertainment industry.
![Top memphis rappers Top memphis rappers](/uploads/1/2/5/3/125365409/556599880.jpeg)
Starting her dance career on tours for major recording artists such as Destiny’s Child, Missy Elliot, Ne-yo, Ciara, and TLC she quickly solidified herself as a working dancer in Los Angeles. Oth’than’s love for the creative aspects of dance and her ability to create long and lasting relationships led her to artist development, creative direction, choreography and wardrobe styling. One of her greatest joys is to work with others to see the collective vision of an artist come to life. Some of Oth’than’s credits include Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, Chris Brown, Snoop Dogg, Nicki Minaj, Iggy Azalea, Usher, Ciara and Rihanna. REBECCA EASTON ( Company Manager) is an arts manager and producer working in dance, theater, and circus around the world.
As a company manager, she has toured to over thirty countries with Pilobolus ( Shadowland & Shadowland 2), and to forty-eight states with Cirque Productions, G4 Productions, Inbal Pinto & Avshalom Pollak Dance Company, and the Guthrie Theater. Most recently, she was the company manager for the Lincoln Center’s 2018 Mostly Mozart Festival in NYC. As a producer, she works with Loom Ensemble (Vermont, NYC, Dubai) and Band of Toughs (Denver & Boulder, Colorado.) She also has a background in directing, dramaturgy, and teaching, and she graduated from Columbia University’s School of the Arts in 2008.
She is thrilled to join Maximum Entertainment for this year’s tour of The Hip Hop Nutcracker. JENNIFER WEBER(Director & Choreographer) is a Lucille Lortel and Bessie-nominated choreographer. Her work has been performed at Jacob’s Pillow, The Apollo, The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, London’s Southbank Center, and The Stanislavsky Music Theatre, Moscow. Recently, Weber was commissioned by New York City Center to create a new work for NYCB principal dancer Tiler Peck and hip hop legend Lil Buck for the 2018 Fall For Dance Festival. Theatre choreography credits include KPOP (Ars Nova/Lortel Nom), Teenage Dick (The Public/Ma-Yi) Cruel Intentions (LPR), Stockholm (Stageworks Hudson/US Premier), PBS’s Odd Squad Live! (National Tour). Commercial direction/choreography: Marc Jacobs, CK2, American Express, Uber, Ulta, L’Oreal, Reebok, and Philosophy.
Weber is also the creative director of Lifetime’s Bring It Live! National tour.
MIKE FITELSON (Writer/Co-Creator) is the executive producer at the United Palace, the 88-year-old Wonder Theatre in Washington Heights, Manhattan’s 4 th largest theatre. Previously as the executive director of the United Palace of Cultural Arts (UPCA) he co-created “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” with Jennifer Weber, adapting the story and supplying the images for the scenery, and produced its premiere. Fitelson has worked to build the Northern Manhattan arts community for 15 years. He co-founded the annual arts festival, the Uptown Arts Stroll, in 2003; served in every capacity of the Manhattan Times, the bilingual community newspaper of Washington Heights and Inwood, from 2002-2011; and helped found the nonprofit Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance in 2006. He is delighted the show is playing the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, California where he was born and raised. NEW JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (NJPAC) (Producer), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States and is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey – where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city.
Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted more than 9 million visitors (including over 1.5 million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. Visit njpac.org or call 1-888-GO-NJPAC for more information.
EVA PRICE (Executive Producer) is a two-time Tony Award-winning producer of over 15 Broadway plays, musicals, and concerts, one of Crain’s NY 40 Under Forty Rising Business Stars, a member of The Broadway League’s Board of Governors, and a creative advisor to Killer Content and Abigail Disney’s new studio venture Level Forward. Credits: Jagged Little Pill (A.R.T.); Oklahoma! (General Management) is a producing, developing and management company. Maximum Entertainment was founded in 2006 by Avram Freedberg, MaryBeth Dale and Eva Price. Associate General Manager Jim Brady joined Maximum in 2014.
General Management credits on Broadway, Off-Broadway and on tour include The Lion, 50 Shades! The Musical, Ivy + Bean The Musical, Blank! The Musical, Colin Quinn: Long Story Short, Forever Dusty, Voca People, The Judy Show, Circumcise Me, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, The Magic School Bus Live!, Ella, ’S Wonderful, Strega Nona and I Love a Piano. BENSON ( Violinist) comes from a family of musicians and covers a lot of musical ground in the artistic world. The classically-trained New York-based musician has had the opportunity to collaborate with many major artists—most notably Shawn Mendes, PJ Morton, OneRepublic, Chris Martin, and many others. He was also part of the Emmy Winning production of “Jesus Christ Superstar—LIVE” on NBC featuring John Legend.
He currently serves as principal violist/violinist and Personnel Manager for Rootstock Republic, a string production company based in New York City, and is the violinist in the “The Hip Hop Nutcracker.”. Boo is a NY based Fil-Am DJ/musician who has shared the stage with the likes of Ghostface Killah, DJ Kool Herc, KRS-1, Snoop Dogg, and Common. He has backed wordsmiths like Eternia, The Juggaknots, and Omar Offendum. In 2014 he served as a cultural ambassador for the United States, performing and conducting Hip Hop workshops with The Nomadic Wax Collective in Nepal, Mozambique, and Swaziland as part of the American Music Abroad Tour.
As the DJ for Brooklyn based dance company, Decadancetheatre, he has had the honor of performing at Jacob’s Pillow. As a music producer he, along with choreographer Jennifer Weber, helped bring to life Mike Fitelson’s holiday phenomenon, The Hip Hop Nutcracker, a modern reimagining of the classic ballet by Tchaikovsky; which has toured the United States and Russia.
. Lola Mitchell (born August 7, 1979), better known as her Gangsta Boo or Lady Boo, is an American rapper from,. She was the first and only female member of the Memphis-based group. She left the group following the release of their album, over money disputes.
Her first solo album, was released in 1998 and reached number fifteen on the chart and number 46 on the. The album featured the surprise hit 'Where Dem Dollas At!?' Gangsta Boo released her second album in 2001, which reached number eight on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart and number 29 on the Billboard 200. In 2003, she released her third album,.
The album peaked at number 53 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart and 24 on the chart. In 2009, Gangsta Boo released her third official mixtape The Rumors (following her previous mixtapes Street Ringers Vol. 1 & Still Gangsta). She also released two mixtapes with DJ Fletch, Miss.Com (No DJ Version on iTunes) and 4 Da Hood. On Monday, June 27, 2011, she released her new mixtape with Trap-A-Holics, Forever Gangsta. In 2013, she joined the Three 6 Mafia spin-off group, and was significantly featured on their debut mixtape.
She departed from the group in 2014.