By Kathy L. Collins
The Brandon Ballet will present the timeless classic The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9. There will be four performances of Tchaikovsky’s seasonal ballet at Spoto High School Auditorium located at 8538 Eagle Palm Drive in Riverview. On Saturday, December 8 performances will be held at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, December 9 at 2:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
This year’s performances will feature the innovative new choreography of Artistic Director, Octavio Martin. Audiences will be awed by the talented professional dancers, lavish costumes and scenery and glorious score. The Nutcracker tells the story of a little girl named Clara, who on Christmas Eve is given the gift of a wooden toy nutcracker from her Uncle Drosselmeyer. The toy leads Clara on a magical journey through an enchanted winter wonderland where she encounters dancing snowflakes, an elegant Snow Queen and the majestic Sugar Plum Fairy.
According to Alice Bock, Executive Director of the Brandon Ballet, “We have new props and new choreography thanks to our new Artistic Director, Octavio Martin.”
The Brandon Ballet was founded in 1993. It is a non-profit regional ballet company that develops and promotes opportunities for aspiring young dancers. By offering a superior training program and two major performances each year, the Brandon Ballet helps serious dancers broaden their dance experiences.
The Brandon Ballet strives to make the performing arts accessible to the community. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $15 for children and students and $20 for Seniors 55 and older.
Since its founding in 1993, the Brandon Ballet has worked to provide both its dancers with the highest caliber of professional training and the communities with an education in the art of dance. The Brandon Ballet is always changing and growing. Look for performances in February and April which feature Brandon Ballet’s dancers, professionals and guests. Brock said, “We have a lot of good things going on at the Brandon Ballet.”
For more information on the Brandon Ballet and to obtain tickets, please visit www.shop.brandonballet.org or call 684-4282.
