Down East Dance, a beloved dance institution in New Bern, is thrilled to announce its enchanting production of The Nutcracker Ballet, returning to the stage at the historic New Bern Civic Theatre. Under the artistic direction of Wendy Daw, the studio continues its biennial tradition of bringing this timeless holiday classic to life. “We are thrilled to bring the magic of The Nutcracker Ballet to our community again this year. It’s a timeless holiday tradition that we’re proud to present.”
Down East Dance has been a cornerstone of New Bern’s ballet scene for years. Known for its commitment to dance education and fostering a love for the art form, the studio has consistently delighted audiences with its exquisite performances.
Written by Peter I. Tchaikovsky, the ballet was a commission by the Russian Imperial Opera Directorate based on the E.T.A. Hoffman story The Nutcracker and Mouse King. Tchaikovsky himself did not think much of his production but ballet-goers around the world have consistently acclaimed the work. For many, the highlight of Christmas is hearing the celestial tones of Tchaikovsky’s music as the snow begins to fall with the dancing Snowflakes & their Queen, Madilyn Hazell & Anna Salsman, or feeling the pure sweetness as they watch the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy performed by Lainey Granstaff & Mary Evans Owens.
Be greeted by sounds of the season as you enter the Historic Athens Theatre to enjoy this year’s ballet production presented as a bedtime story for Marie, as told by her Mother (Faith Lee). Join in the magical adventure that includes a grand Christmas party, twirling snowflakes, a Nutcracker Soldier, danced by Marina Daw, life-size mouse queen, Tabitha Beaman & Claire Morini, and a journey to the Land of the Sweets with its beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy, Lainey Granstaff & Mary Evans Owens and its Waltzing Flowers with their Queen, Dew Drop danced by Lainey Granstaff & Thea Watson.
Featured in this production are not only dance students of Down East Dance but also local talented performing artists. No stranger to the stage, Neil Oliver will portray the role of Drosselmeyer. Jamie Wetherington, member of The Green Grass Cloggers, returns in the role of Mr. Silverhaus with Erica Sanderson, also member of The Green Grass Cloggers as well as instructor at Down East Dance as Mrs. Silverhaus. Faith Lee performs the role of Mother/Narrator.
“The Nutcracker Ballet is not just a show, it’s an opportunity for our dancers to shine and for our community to come together during the holiday season,” says Wendy Daw. “It’s a celebration of art, culture, and the joy of dance.”
Down East Dance extends a warm invitation to our entire Eastern North Carolina community to join them at New Bern Civic Theatre for a magical journey…this enchanting experience promises to leave you filled with the spirit of the season!
Performance dates are: Fridays – Dec. 5 & Dec. 12 @ 7:30pm, Saturdays – Dec. 6 & 13 @ 2:00pm & 7:30pm, and Sundays – Dec. 7 & 14 @ 2:00pm at New Bern Civic Theatre at 414 Pollock Street. Tickets are $20 and available at New Bern Civic Theatre at 633-0567 or www.newberncivictheatre.org.