An annual holiday tradition will again return to Brighton just in time for Christmas.
The Brighton School of Ballet will once again welcome the holiday season with two performances of The Nutcracker Ballet, December 3 and 4 at 2pm at the Brighton Center for Performing Arts. This marks the school’s 36th presentation of the holiday classic, which organizers say makes it one the longest running holiday traditions in Livingston County.
Beloved by generations from all ages and backgrounds, the Nutcracker tells the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a nutcracker from her mysterious godfather at a ball on Christmas Eve. Adventure abounds when the nutcracker comes to life, whisking Clara away through a snowy forest of dancing snowflakes to the magical Land of Sweets, where she meets characters like the Cavalier Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
“The whimsical show includes breathtaking, handmade sets — real snow seems to fall from the sky and a Christmas tree grows larger than life before the audience’s eyes,” says a release. “Paired with glittering costumes, the well-known music of Peter Tchaicokvsky, and magnificent dancing, “The Nutcracker” will bring out the wide-eyed child in everyone this holiday season.”
The festive production has deep roots, as its early origins date back to Europe nearly one hundred years ago. Once George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker,” was performed by the New York City Ballet in 1954, it quickly became a holiday tradition nationwide.
In addition to more than 100 local dancers and gymnasts, Brighton School of Ballet is pleased to once again welcome three professional guest artists to the stage. This year, perennial favorites and principal dancers Marena Peréz and Daniel Ramirez from Mauro Ballet of Puerto Rico return to reprise their dazzling rendition of the ‘Sugar Plum Pas de Deux,’ while Jesús Sánchez, also of Mauro Ballet, will make his second Brighton appearance dancing the title role of the Nutcracker.
Tickets are $30 each and must be purchased in advance at www.brightonschoolofballet.com, as they will not be available at the theater box office.
New this year, a special event will deliver a pint-sized dose of magic for young children, as BSB is hosting its first annual Nutcracker “Suite Dreams” Party on November 18 at 6:30pm at Oak Pointe Country Club. The night will feature Nutcracker-themed treats, ballerina storytime, short performances by BSB dancers, photo opportunities with costumed characters, and more festive fun for little ones. Tickets are $35 each (adult participation required) and can be reserved by clicking HERE. Children are encouraged to wear tutus or pajamas for this cozy evening!
