At Cincinnati Ballet studios, choreographer Val Caniparoli promises a Nutcracker that dances from start to finish with no time for standing around waiting to get to the juicy parts.

        The biggest change: “Clara” is now “Maria” and is danced by a company professional. She'll be featured in two major pas de deux, much like a traditional classical ballet.

        “It's her dream,” Mr. Caniparoli explains. “She needs to be at the center of it all.”

        "Quixote' juggling: Cincinnati Ballet has done some juggling for season opener Don Quixote, Oct. 26-28. To replace principals Alexei Kremnev and Anna Reznik, who exited Cincinnati Ballet abruptly earlier this month, Kristi Capps, company soloist, is being brought up to be partnered by Alexei Tyukov, on loan from Ballet Internationale in Indianapolis.

        They'll dance the principal parts, alternating in four scheduled performances with company members Shusheng Tong and Nikita Shcheglov. Opening night cast has not been determined.

        As for the the Russian couple, both Moscow natives, they are staying in Cincinnati for now. They are teaching at ballet tech ohio performing arts association, Claudia Barrett's studio in Foster. (Ms. Barrett was responsible for bringing the couple to Cincinnati.)

        They will perform at a ballet tech-sponsored event Nov. 30-Dec. 1 at the Aronoff Center's Jarson-Kaplan Theater.

        Called “Rojo Ya Ngoma” (Swahili for “The spirit to dance”), the program includes Dayton Contemporary Dance Company II and Cincinnati groups Bi-Okoto African Drum & Dance Co., Wo-Yingi, Quinn Chapel Choir and ballet tech dancers.

        The Russians will perform “Aquilarco” and a solo each, Mr. Kremnev in “Aria” and Ms. Reznik in “Dying Swan.”

        Help for in-step: Cincinnati Ballet has received an endowment of $250,000 from the Eleanora C.U. Alms Trust (administered by Fifth/Third Bank) to support its in-step program.

        In-step provides education and outreach for area schools, particularly inner-city schools. The $250,000 will be invested to allow money to be drawn annually to support the program in perpetuity.

        “It will pay for us to develop our programs,” says Robyn Carey Wilson, director of development, “but will also allow schools that otherwise couldn't afford it to see dance.”

        Free tickets are provided to eligible schools for students to attend matinee performances of Cincinnati Ballet concerts.

        Contact Carol Norris by fax, (812) 537-5693; e-mail webers@one.net.

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