The flowers dance during a rehearsal for The Peanutcracker last year. The show returns to the Carson City Community Center in December.
The Sierra Nevada Ballet will present “Peanutcracker — The Story in a Nut Shell” beginning with shows for students at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Carson City Community Center. A public performance featuring Santa will be at 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 7. Santa will be available for photos until the start of each performance.
Based on Lev Ivanov‘s original ballet “The Nutracker,” “Peanutcracker” is a 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, who wrote and choreographed the show, said she was inspired to create the production for families by young audience members.
The performance will feature more than 50 local children. Pre-show entertainment starts 45 minutes before each event, with Show Youth Theater Carson City Show Stoppers presenting Christmas songs before the 2 p.m. show. Show Strings In School, led by Sue Jesch, will present holiday music before the 7 p.m. performance. Tickets start at $6 for ages 15 and younger; all other tickets cost $11 and can be reserved by calling Gina Nelson at 775-220-4452 or sending an email to gina704@msn.com. Tickets also are available before each show.
Another showing for students will be at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Pioneer Center for Performing Arts in Reno. For more information or to make school reservations, call Elizabeth Cuff at 775-997-4252 or send an email to elizabethcuff@yahoo.com. Individuals and businesses are sought to help sponsor free tickets for the performances for schools. To sponsor, call the Sierra Nevada Ballet at 775-737-9101.