Just in time for the holidays is a new realization of the classic Nutcracker — a NSFW, burlesque-themed version full of seasonal cheer, pasties, stripper poles, classical portraiture and surprisingly high production values — choreographed, directed and performed by Alexandra Nicole Hulme and 25 New Face Celia Rowlson-Hall. Rowlson-Hall’s MA is one of our favorite independent features of the year, so this new short is truly an early present.

Here are the filmmakers describing the piece:

We have dreamed for years now of creating a two-person Nutcracker in which we perform all the roles. We wanted to take this traditional story that both of us grew up with and spin it on its head. The Nutcracked is our Not-Safe-for Work Nutcracker, and it is the story of two Clara’s (Ce and Lu) who go on their own magical adventure together without the need of the Nutcracker Prince. In our retelling, they are their own prince(ss). These Clara’s explore all different genres of dance, from burlesque to ballet, and give nods to modern artist Hannah Wilke and the classical painting “Gabrielle d’Estrées and One of Her Sisters in the Hand of Sweets.” We might have even snuck a spy cam onto The Price is Right (twice!) to get our “Battle with the Rat King/ Nightmare” section… but you didn’t hear if from us. ;) This is the nut…cracked!