'Peanutcracker' opens in Carson City

The Sierra Nevada Ballet will present the popular "Peanutcracker - The Story in Nut Shell" beginning with a presentation Friday for Carson City-area school students.

Based on the Peter Tchaikovsky's original ballet "The Nutcracker," "Peanutcracker" is a shorter, 45-minute narrated version that is "designed for families with younger children to introduce them to the wonderful world of ballet," said Rosine Bena, artistic director of the Sierra Nevada Ballet. Bena wrote and choreographed this traditional holiday show.

Bena was first inspired to create this special production for families by young audience members. After 25 years of performing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy professionally, she discovered through speaking with young fans that the "Nutcracker" was often children's first introduction to ballet and very young children often found the full two-hour ballet too long and difficult to follow. She produced her first mini version of the "Nutcracker" in 1993.

This year's performances of "Peanutcracker" will feature the ballet's professional dancers, apprentices, and trainees, in addition to dance students from Western Nevada Performing Arts Center in Carson City and In Motion Studio of Dance in Reno. "Peanutcracker" features Sierra Nevada ballet stars Larissa Cassera and Alexander Biber.

Friday there will be special presentations for students throughout the Carson City and Dayton region at the Carson City Community Center. Schools are reminded to reserve their spot now by contacting Crystal Kenison at tckenison@sbcglobal.net or by calling 775-461-0060.

As part of the student programs, the Sierra Nevada Ballet welcomes sponsorships and donations for at risk children. Businesses or individuals who would like to send a child to the ballet should contact the Sierra Nevada Ballet at 775-783-3223.

"Peanutcracker - The Story in Nut Shell" will open its public performance at the Carson City Community Center with shows at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday. Ticket prices start at $6 for youth (15 and under). All other tickets are $11 and can be reserved or purchased at Everything Dance Etc or by calling 775-461-0060

Students in the Reno area can also enjoy this special holiday event Dec. 14 at the Pioneer Center for Performing Arts. For ticket information and school reservations, contact Everything Dance Etc. at 775-461-0060 or the Sierra Nevada Ballet at 775-783-3223.