Bristol Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” is on stage at The Paramount Center for the Arts, Bristol, Tennessee.

Bristol Ballet continues ‘Nutcracker’ tradition

Visions of sugarplums, nutcrackers and rat kings bring Clara’s dream to life in Bristol Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.” George Balanchine’s visions of sugarplums took this lesser-known Russian ballet featuring national dances and made it into one of the most popular ballets of all time. First presented in Russia in 1892, the ballet was not a hit. In 1954, Balanchine made the first radical changes to the ballet, embellishing the dance sequences as candies and treats instead of national dances. This change helped make the ballet popular in the United States.

More than 40 years after its inaugural production of “The Nutcracker,” Bristol Ballet continues the tradition of this beloved ballet, adding refreshing changes to keep things interesting. Some changes take place on stage such as a few four-legged cast members, new and returning professional guest artists, a new way for Clara to travel home and a possible appearance by someone made famous by the 1927 Bristol Sessions.

Another change takes place Saturday in the Paramount Center for the Arts’ lobby. The Sullivan County Animal Shelter presents “Pupcracker,” a viewing of adoptable dogs looking for their forever homes. Also during the Saturday show, the ballet invites dogs onto stage for parts of the Nutcracker story.

“Local dancers and community people continue to be the heart and soul of this production; we look forward to seeing you in the audience and spreading joyful holiday spirit,” Moira Frazier, managing director, says.

The ballet is on stage at the Paramount Center for the Arts, Bristol, Tennessee Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 8 at 12 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $8-$16 and are available on the Paramount’s website, www.paramountbristol.org.