Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism announces Ballet Arkansas’ 40th Anniversary Nutcracker Spectacular, December 6th – 9th, 2018

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., 2018-Nov-09 — /Travel PR News/ — Ballet Arkansas’ 40th Anniversary Nutcracker Spectacular takes the stage at the Robinson Performance Hall this December 6th – 9th, 2018 for four main stage performances and two student matinee performances. The largest holiday production in Central Arkansas, Ballet Arkansas’ Nutcracker has been a tradition in Little Rock for decades. A two-act ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa, with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker is a timeless story about a young girl’s journey into a magical land, The Land of the Sweets, on one winter’s eve.

Joining Ballet Arkansas’ fourteen professional dancers onstage is a community cast made up of over 200 children and adults, including local dancers, previous Ballet Arkansas dancers, Ballet Arkansas board members, and local celebrities. Complete with live music provided by the talented musicians of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Geoffrey Robson, and the ethereal voices of the Mount St. Mary Academy Concert Belles or the Episcopal Collegiate Choirs, The Nutcracker is a performance for all ages to enjoy. “The Nutcracker is a beloved Holiday classic that families look forward to each year as a part of their traditions, and this year’s production features fully updated choreography, a handful of holiday surprises, and much more!” says Associate Artistic Director, Catherine Fothergill. In 2017, Michael Fothergill, Executive and Artistic Director of the organization took steps to re-vitalize the choreography in the 2nd Act. This year, we have renovated the 1st Act, while maintaining some of the time honored and fan favorite traditions. This updated show celebrates the past, breathing new life into the organization’s most beloved holiday tradition. For the 2nd year in a row, Ballet Arkansas will be live streaming the matinee performances at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Performances Friday, December 7, 7:00 pm, Saturday, December 8, 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm, and Sunday, December 9, 2:00pm. This year’s performance includes an opportunity to purchase ‘sweet seats’ for $99 which includes the best seats in house and a special gift with purchase. Tickets range from $20-99 and are available by calling Celebrity Attractions Box Office at (501)-244-8800 or by visiting Ticketmaster at https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/1B0054BEE444598E.

Nutcracker Special Event
The 2nd annual Land of the Sweets Nutcracker Tea will be held at the Robinson Performance Hall on December 9th, 11:30 am-12:30 pm. Attendees will be invited on stage to enjoy the set up close, meet the characters from the ballet, try delicious treats from the Land of the Sweets, have your photo taken with the Sugar Plum Fairy, hear the magical story of The Nutcracker, and make it snow on stage as the dancers give an up close holiday performance. Tickets are $30 each and all attendees must purchase a ticket. Tickets available at https://www.balletarkansas.org/nutcracker-spectacular.

About Ballet Arkansas 
Ballet Arkansas, the foremost professional ballet company of the State of Arkansas, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Through a roster of talented artists and dancers, Ballet Arkansas presents vibrant and diverse repertory featuring classical, neoclassical, and contemporary works by world renowned choreographers. A driving force in the State, Ballet Arkansas is committed to creative collaboration, community outreach, high quality dance education, the evolution of arts programming across the region, and is devoted to making high quality professional dance performance accessible to all. The productions of Ballet Arkansas promise to enrich the lives of all in attendance. Under the artistic direction of Michael and Catherine Fothergill, Ballet Arkansas enters the 2018/19 season with renewed energy, bold programming, and plans for growth.

Our Mission
To provide world-class dance performances featuring a diverse repertory that includes classical and contemporary works, and educational programming for young audiences. To position the company as a pillar of the Arkansas performing arts community and to educate the public about dance, and act as an ambassador for the State of Arkansas.

Contact:
Catherine Fothergill
Catherine@balletarkansas.org
Office (501)223-5150
www.balletarkansas.org

SOURCE: Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism

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