By Erica Buehler
Photo by Shannon Morton Photography
This holiday season, experience the magic of The Nutcracker with more than 100 dancers from Ballet Brazos, a nonprofit organization that aims to promote the arts in the Brazos Valley community. The performance on Saturday, Dec. 8, features Harper Cunningham as Clara, guest artists from the New York City Ballet, and a large cast of local dancers.
The Nutcracker is a well-known Christmas story about a family’s Christmas Eve celebration. Clara’s godfather, a toymaker and magician, presents a nutcracker doll to her. The nutcracker doll comes to life and he and Clara go on a magical journey that includes the land of the Snow Queen and then on to the Land of Sweets where a celebration is held in their honor.
“The Nutcracker is a ballet traditionally performed around Christmas time,” says Harper. “This year we are bringing in dancers from the New York City Ballet to play the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.”
Brazos Ballet is a unique experience that collaborates between local dancers and guests from other ballets with the common goal to share the love for classical ballet with younger generations. The Nutcracker is an amazing way for many people to enjoy classical ballet and the symphony, according to Melissa Cunningham, Harper’s mom.
Photo By Shannon Morton Photography
“Having the [guest artists] from the New York City Ballet is such a treat to have,” Melissa says. Patrons have the ability to see the vast talents of the guest artists alongside incredible local talent, she explains.
Ballet Brazos also aims to educate the community through their Nutcracker Storytime. This free program on Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. in the Clara B. Mounce Public Library features select pieces of The Nutcracker. Families and guests of all ages are welcome.
Not only is Ballet Brazos a great way to involve the community in the arts, but the local performance of The Nutcracker becomes better with each year, according to Janét Falcone, vice-president of Brazos Ballet. “There is no need to travel when you can see such a fine, local performance,” she says.
There will be two performances of The Nutcracker on Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Texas A&M University’s Rudder Auditorium. To purchase tickets, visit www.balletbrazos.org/nutcracker/#Tickets.
Volunteer opportunities with Ballet Brazos are available and welcome in all areas of the production. Contact vicepresident@balletbrazos.org for more information.
“I encourage people to come and bring their families,” says Falcone. “It’s a nice performance by [many] local dancers for the local community.”
