The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without “The Nutcracker.” The Gaston Dance Theatre is marking its 25th year of performing the ballet for the community, with shows coming up Dec. 6-8.
“Nutcracker is just a classic,” said Tammy Fox, Gaston Dance Theatre executive director. “It is something a number of people look forward to every holiday season. It’s become just a tradition in Gaston Dance Theatre’s repertoire.”
Artistic Director Tina Deese is coordinating the ballet, for which open auditions were held. The majority of the dancers in the production are Gaston Dance Theatre students, about 40 from level one ballet to advanced level classes. The studio has been rehearsing the ballet since late September.
Soloists include Jordan Noblett as Clara; Kendall Rouse as Sugar Plum; Nate Snyder as Nutcracker Prince; Kailey Lawing as Snow Queen; Abigail Cross as Dew Drop Fairy; and Michael Pell as Cavalier.
“We stick to the tried and true, the really classic form of ‘Nutcracker,’ It’s the full-length version. We don’t leave anything out,” Fox said. “I think the community will be very impressed with the quality of the show. It’s really quite beautiful.
For the 25th anniversary, the studio has something new up its sleeves. A pre-show called “Spirit of the Season” will feature Gaston Dance Theatre’s newly formed ensemble group. Members will perform four numbers choreographed by Fox that keep with the theme of the holidays and spirits.
“All of the numbers are more contemporary, rather than classical,” Fox said. “It was just a really good way to give the community a chance to see what we’re doing besides the classical ballet.”
And in keeping with a more recent tradition, Tea in the Land of Sweets is back for a third year. The event geared toward children 12 and younger will include refreshments, crafts and a behind-the-scenes look at “The Nutcracker.” The cast, in full costume, will talk about the ballet and answer questions before the Dec. 7 afternoon performance.
Gaston Dance Theatre presents ‘The Nutcracker’
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 8
Where: Pamela Kimbrell Warlick Performing Arts Center, Gaston Day School, 2001 Gaston Day School Road, Gastonia
Tickets: $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, and $6 for children younger than 5.
For more information or advanced tickets: gastondancetheatre.com or 704-865-5943
Tea in the Land of Sweets
When: 10 a.m. Dec. 7
Where: Gaston Day School, 2001 Gaston Day School Road, Gastonia
Tickets: $8 for adults and $12 for children. Reservations required.
For more information or reservations: gastondancetheatre.com or 704-865-5943
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