The Bristol Ballet, now in its 75th season, invites the public to celebrate a beloved family holiday tradition by attending the company’s performance of “The Nutcracker” in historic downtown Bristol and Richlands, Virginia, this December. Bristol Ballet’s interpretation of this timeless classic takes place at 7 p.m., Dec.2, in the Charles R. King Community Center at Southwest Virginia Community College and returns to the Paramount Bristol stage for three performances; Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 9 at 12 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
In partnership with the Sullivan County Animal Shelter, Saturday’s noon performance is referred to as “The Pupcracker,” as it will include a pet adoption event in the lobby of the Paramount. A few furry friends also take part in the party scene for Paramount performances.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Southwest Virginia Community College,” said Bristol Ballet’s Artistic and Development Director in charge of producing “The Nutcracker,” Amanda Hairston. “We had an amazing experience bringing the magic of The Nutcracker last year and I know this year will be another success.”
The Bristol Ballet interpretation of the Tchaikovsky classic Christmas story tips a hat to our region’s Appalachian music history and the 1927 Bristol Sessions with Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters standing in for Mother Ginger and the Polichinelles.
Experience the wonder of Clara’s adventure as she helps break the spell of the evil Rat Queen and goes on a journey through the land of Snow and onward to the Land of Sweets. Principal dancers Erin Ginn and Jace Coronado reprise their roles as the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier.
Ginn, a Kingsport, Tenn. native who resides in New York City, teaches classical ballet and is a certified Pilates instructor. She began her ballet training at a young age under Karen Gibbons-Brown and attended the Walnut Hill School of Performing Arts, receiving Honors for Outstanding Achievement in Ballet. She began her professional career as an apprentice with the Cincinnati Ballet and graduated with High Distinction from Indiana University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Ballet Performance. She has danced nationally and internationally with a number of ballet companies across the country.
Coronado also resides in New York and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance and vocal performance from West Texas A&M and studied at the School of American Ballet. He has appeared in a number of productions on Broadway including “West Side Story,” Disney’s “Aladdin,” “Guys and Dolls” and “An American in Paris.” He also works as a Master Teacher and Choreographer for various schools and companies in the New England area.
Senior Company member, Emerson Gillispie, is the Snow Queen this year alongside guest dancer, Eran Castonguay as Snow Cavalier. The two danced together in Bristol Ballet’s 75th performance in “Mountain Ballad” as Little Sister and Mountain Boy. Castonguay performed in “The Nutcracker” last year as the Nutcracker and currently dances with Southwest Appalachian Dance Collective. David Godsey, who also performed in “Mountain Ballad” as the Salesman, will be in “The Nutcracker” as Herr Drosselmeyer. Also, Erik Morrell, a junior at John Battle High School, will be performing the role of the Nutcracker this year as well.
For tickets and more information about Bristol Ballet visit BristolBallet.org or www.paramountbristol.org for tickets to Paramount Bristol.
