Christmas is a time celebrating the dreams, imaginations and fantasies of children and nothing illustrates this better than “The Nutcracker.” There are several presentations taking place this weekend for audiences to enjoy.

Peachtree City Civic Ballet Company will present “The Nutcracker Ballet,” music by Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky and performed by dancers from throughout the Southern Crescent. In its sixth year, the company offers a new and exciting presentation of the traditional Christmas story, which in itself tells of family and community.

A cast of 100, including 85 children, will re-enact the memorable story of Christmas Eve at the Stahbaum’s with their children Clara and Fritz, as they host a festive Christmas party for friends and family. The unforgettable toymaker, Herr Drosselmeyer, brings Clara a special Nutcracker, which he created just for her. Brother Fritz, in a fit of jealousy, breaks the precious Nutcracker, but Herr Drosselmeyer magically fixes the toy. After midnight, when all are asleep, much happens in the house as Clara dreams of mice and soldiers, and the Nutcracker coming to life transformed as a Prince. A beautiful Snow Queen appears, taking Clara and the Prince through the snow forest into the Kingdom of Sweets, viewing delightful and exotic dances. Morning comes, and as Clara’s dream fades the magical journey with the Nutcracker fills her heart with Christmas Joy.

“’The Nutcracker’ is very dear to my heart both as a dancer and a choreographer,” noted Director Kathleen Senger. “Each season we expand our cast of talented local dancers to present this holiday tradition to our community. “

Ticket prices are family-friendly, making this an ideal treat for Christmas. This year’s production will includes new set designs and costumes, adding to its traditional appeal. “Dance is my passion, and I especially love working with the children. They bring me so much joy,” said Senger.

Performances are Saturday, Dec. 12, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Dec. 13, at 2 p.m., at Our Lady of Mercy High School, 861 Evander Holyfield Hwy., Fayetteville. Tickets are $10, general seating. For more information call Peachtree City School of Dance 404-449-1916. For more information about the School and the ABT ballet curriculum, or the Company, please contact Kathleen Senger at 770-632-1544 or visit www.PTCSchoolofDance.com.

“Le Petit Nutcracker” will be presented on Saturday, Dec. 12 at Classical Dance Theatre in Newnan Ga. There will be performances at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 per person.

This a wonderful and magical production staged and choreographed by Yasmine Hassaan that gives the audience a more intimate and closer connection with the characters in the show. The audience will experience and be part of a beautiful setting in an enchanted forest surrounded by the dancing Snowflurries and the Sugar Plum Fairy. In the Land of Sweets Angels dressed in white and gold greet the Sugar Plum Fairy who will call on Hot Chocolate from Spain, Candy Cane from Russia, Tea from China, Coffee from Arabia and more sweets for the audience to celebrate with. At the end of the performance the audience will be given a chance to meet and greet with the dancers. “Le Petit Nutcracker” is a great show to start your holiday celebration.

For tickets call 770 252-5515 or visit www.classicaldancetheatre.com

American Ballet Theatre Company Member and GDT Alumni, Gray Davis, comes to Georgia Dance Theatre from New York to perform the roles of the Nutcracker Prince and Snow King in their production of “The Nutcracker,” this Saturday and Sunday at Starr’s Mill High School. Davis has been dancing professionally since the age of 17 and is excited to be back performing with Georgia Dance Theatre’s Nutcracker.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with Sherri and the GDT Company again,” said Davis. “Many of the current members of GDT’s Professional Company and I trained together years ago. It’s exciting and special to be able to perform with them again.” When asked why he chose to come back to perform with GDT, Davis replied, “My love and passion for dance started here with GAD, and Artistic Director, Sherri Davis. I’m very grateful for the opportunities given to me by GAD, and I’m excited to be able to dance with them for the first time in my professional career.”

Other than Davis, all the roles will be danced by members of GDT, students of GAD & the Performing Arts, and dancers from the community who auditioned. Participants of GDT’s “The Nutcracker” include dancers of all ages from Fayette and Coweta counties.

“The Nutcracker” will be presented Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at Starr’s Mill High School Auditorium in Fayetteville. Children may also visit with Ol’ Saint Nick during intermission. Tickets may be purchased at the box office of the auditorium on the day of the show. Tickets are general admission at $15. For further information, visit www.gadance.com or call 770-631-3128.

Twenty pounds of snow. Eight tons of scenery. An eight-foot tall evil Rat King. And one three-story Petrov Christmas tree. It isn’t Christmas in the city until Atlanta Ballet brings its most beloved gift - Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker on stage at the Fabulous Fox Theatre from December 11 – 27.

As Atlanta Ballet celebrates 50 years of holiday enchantment, audiences are invited to embrace the spirit of the season with this annual holiday classic, cherished by Atlanta families for three generations.

In celebration of Nutcracker’s 50th anniversary, Atlanta Ballet will recognize all past dancers in the production’s 50-year history during the opening night performance December 11. The Atlanta Ballet Orchestra will also perform Tchaikovsky’s timeless score opening weekend only, December 11 through 13. Performances December 16 through 27 will be performed to the same high quality recording in use since 2006.

Tickets, as low as $20, are on sale now. To purchase tickets, call the Ticketmaster Arts Hotline at 800-982-2787, visit the Fox Theatre Box Office or go online at www.atlantaballet.com. Groups of ten or more call Atlanta Ballet Group Sales at 404-873-5811 x207.

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