Next Generation Ballet®’s annual production of Nutcracker always adds an extra sparkle to the holidays.
This year’s presentation will shine even brighter when, for the first time, an NGB alum from a major American ballet company returns to perform in Nutcracker.
Jarod Curley, a soloist with American Ballet Theatre, spent “the two most intense years of training I had in my time as a student” with NGB.
Jarod’s parents made sure he and his siblings were introduced to the performing arts, Jarod said, from the time they “could sit still enough to not waste the cost of the ticket.” Dance, especially classical ballet, “lit a fire in me I couldn’t extinguish,” Jarod said.
He decided early that he wanted to pursue dance as a career, but felt he needed more focused instruction.
“Men in ballet have specialized steps and repertoire that take years of specific strength and coordination training to develop,” Jarod said.
Peter Stark, then the artistic director of NGB, offered Jarod a scholarship for NGB’s summer intensive, after which Jarod entered NGB’s trainee program.
“I loved training at NGB,” Jarod said. “I had never experienced a full men’s technique class with everyone working hard and pushing each other to improve.”
Instructors “were always very supportive and never held back from delivering corrections and holding us accountable,” Jarod said. “They taught me to be relentless and resilient in my pursuit of self-improvement.”
Also, Jarod adds, his instructors at NGB “demonstrated what it meant to love and respect the art.”
Intense training and his own dedication to his art have taken Jarod to his current position as soloist with American Ballet Theatre, one of the most prestigious dance companies in the U.S.
“Dancing with ABT is the realization of the dream that started me on my journey,” said Jarod, who watched videos of ABT performances for inspiration as a young dancer. “When the company moves into Lincoln Center for a performance season, I still have to pinch myself.”
Jarod is excited about returning to NGB for Nutcracker, which he performed in as a student. He also appreciates the opportunity to bring some joy to the area, which was hit hard by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Jarod said his family, which lives part of each year in Tampa, “saw first-hand the damage and stress on the community caused by the hurricanes.”
“I’m so happy that we can come together to celebrate the holidays with such a special and uplifting production,” Jarod said.
Jarod and ABT principal dancer Chloe Misseldine will be guest performers with NGB when the company presents Nutcracker, Friday, Dec. 20, through Monday, Dec. 23. For show times and tickets, go here.