NYC Ballet Stars To Perform in The Gainesville Ballet Nutcracker at Hylton

By Amy Suski

Believe it or not, Nutcracker season is fast approaching.  If you're looking for a magical performance that won't break the bank or require a trip into the city, The Gainesville Ballet is an excellent choice.  The Gainesville Ballet brings together professional dancers with local student performers in two full-length ballets on Friday, November 28 at 2PM and 7PM.  The performances will be at the elegant Merchant Hall opera house at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas.  

New York City Ballet principal dancers Teresa Reichlen (a Virginia native) and Ask la Cour join the Gainesville Ballet to perform the grand pas de deux.  Six other professional dancers will also perform character roles including the Arab Doll, Mouse King, Herr Drosslemeyer, Chinese, Trepak, Spanish, Marzipan, Flower Solo, and the Snow Queen.  Children as young as three will perform the remaining roles including Clara, Party Guests, Dolls, Snowflakes, Flowers, Angels, Mice, Soldiers, Gingerbread, Trepak, Arabian, Chinese, Marzipan, and Spanish divertissement.

If you haven't yet visited the Hylton Center, this is the perfect opportunity.  The grand cultural arts center is not only a beautiful setting for a special performance but is also very convenient, just off I-66 in Manassas.  Tickets are $35 for orchestra seats, with a $5 discount for seniors, active duty military, and children under 12.  Balcony seats range from $15 to $25.  Parking is free.  For more information and tickets visit www.hyltoncenter.org or www.gainesvilleballetcompany.org.

Photo courtesy of The Gainesville Ballet.