Toeing the Line

Danse Etoile is not your average ballet company. As proof, consider this year’s holiday production, a double feature of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Match Girl and The Nightmare Before Christmas. The pairing might seem odd, but as Marie-Jose Payannet, the company director, points out, “It’s very new and very original, different from The Nutcracker being played every year.” So original that she did the choreography for both ballets herself — which makes today’s first performance a world premiere.

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• Hans Christian Andersen
• The Nightmare Before Christmas
• Arts, Entertainment, and Media
• Ballet

Act one will be The Little Match Girl. “It’s a sad story,” says Payannet. “But the ending is okay — she doesn’t die or anything.” Act two will be Nightmare, filled with more jazzy, upbeat choreography. “I’m hoping I can help to bring people to the theater,” she explains. “And have them go see other shows, not just our company’s.”

Shows will run at 2 and 6 p.m. today and 2 p.m. tomorrow at the Broomfield Auditorium, 3 Community Park Road in Broomfield. Tickets are $12, $10 for students and seniors; find more information at www.danseetoile.com.
Tue., Dec. 21, 2 & 6 p.m.; Wed., Dec. 22, 6 p.m., 2010