Ballet West returns to The Kennedy Center for the first time since 2014 with Willam Christensen’s The Nutcracker, America’s longest-running full-length production. Originally choreographed in 1944 for San Francisco Ballet, this holiday classic has been part of the company’s repertoire since its founding in 1963 by Christensen. It takes children of all ages on Clara’s journey where she witnesses a battle between toy soldiers and mice, travels through a flurry of snow, and ends up in the Land of the Sweets where she meets the Sugarplum Fairy.

Joining Ballet West’s company members on stage will be more than 90 children from the Washington, DC metro area as well as the Arlington Children’s Chorus. Therefore, coming to this performance is not only supporting the arts but also local talent. December 5-9, 2018 is your opportunity to see this newly-redesigned production that made its debut in Salt Lake City, Utah last year; the sets are by John Wayne Cook and costumes by David Heuvel. Tchaikovsky’s traditional and recognizable score will be played by the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra. Tickets and principal casting can be found on The Kennedy Center’s website.

Source: The Kennedy Center | Featured Photo © Beau Pearson, Ballet West in Willam Christensen’s The Nutcracker