Local dancers perform the 'Nutcracker' ballet

PLYMOUTH, Mich. – Start your Christmas Celebration with a traditional holiday treat. At the Nutcracker, follow Clara as she journeys with the Nutcracker Prince from her home through the Land of Snow. The Snow Queen and the Snow Flakes send them to the Magic Kingdom where she is entertained by a vast array of dancers and honored by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

Two performances of the Nutcracker will be presented by the Plymouth-Canton Ballet and the Michigan Philharmonic, December 7^th at 6:30PM and December 8^th at 2:00PM. A Sugar Plum parade will be held following each performance, where the audience is invited to come up on stage and meet the dancers. The ballet will be performed with a live orchestra and chorus at the Plymouth Salem High School Auditorium, 46181 Joy Road Canton, Michigan.

Local 4's Ashlee Baracy will open each performance with a reading of the "Night Before Christmas". The shows include special guest dancers from the Grand Rapids Ballet. Dawnell Dryja will perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Snow Queen. Stephen Sanborn will dance the Snow King and Cavalier. The P-CEP Madrigal Singers will perform the choral work in the Land of Snow. Dryja and Baracy are both past members of the Plymouth-Canton Ballet having danced in the Nutcracker and other performances.

The Company has performed the Nutcracker on this stage since 1987. The classic story of the young girl Clara remains the same. Over the years the production has grown with new choreography, costuming and sets. Combined with the magic of a live orchestra and chorus, this production comes alive to enchant children and adults alike.

The Company is comprised of dancers from the Metropolitan Detroit area who wish to enhance their dance experience performing traditional ballet on stage, in addition to their studies at their local studio. The company dancers proudly represent a dozen different dance studios.

Tickets purchased in advance receive a $2 discount for each performance ticket. Tickets purchased at the door are $25 for adults and teens, $18 for children. Sugar Plum Parade tickets are $3 each and can be purchased in advance are at the event. Ticket information and ordering is available online at www.plymouthcantonballet.org or by calling (734) 676-7233. Special group rates are available. Tickets can be purchased at several local businesses. Check online or call for the closest ticket outlet.

The dancers will also perform the Nutcracker Ballet the next weekend in the downriver area with the Metro Shores Ballet. Performances will be held at the Grosse Ile High School Auditorium, December 14 at 6:00PM and December 15 at 2:00PM. Tickets are $17 for adults and teens and $14 for children. Sugar Plum Parade tickets are $3 each. Call (734) 676-7233 or browse online to www.metroshoresballet.org for ticket and performance information.