A scene from "The Nutcracker" by Kingsport Ballet.
Kingsport Ballet prepares for a season kickoff with “The Nutcracker,†Dec. 13-16, with five performances at Northeast State’s Wellmont Performing Arts Center.
A holiday favorite around the world, this ballet is a popular family outing during the holiday season. The school performance of “The Nutcracker†is staged Thursday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. A new Thursday evening performance takes place this year in order to accommodate the usually sold-out event.
Public performances take place Dec. 13, 14 and 15 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 16 at 2:30 p.m.
“Our Nutcracker has seen sold out performances for the past three years here at Wellmont Performing Arts Center,†says Executive Director Bertina Dew. “Once we began turning people away we felt it was time to open up additional performance days.†All seats are numbered and assigned and sold on a first come-first served basis. Tickets are available at the door provided they have not sold out prior to performance dates.
Kingsport Ballet’s traditional Russian version is full of holiday warmth, elegance and the magic of the season. They once again feature a roster of professional guest artists as well as soloists from their own company and cast members from the Kingsport Ballet school.
Kingsport Ballet features an expanded ballet boutique at the theater during Nutcracker performances, as an extension of their in-house store, kbBoutique. Unique, handmade gifts, ornaments, holiday cards and gift wrap are available for purchase.
Tickets are on sale through www.kingsportballet.org or through the Kingsport Ballet Facebook page. Purchasers may print their tickets at home, or pick them up at “will call†the night of the performance.
Children ages 4-11 enjoy the traditional Clara’s Tea and Chocolate, which takes place just prior to Saturday evening’s performance Dec. 15. The tea party is from 5-6 p.m., and tickets are sold separately at $10 per child. Parent chaperones attend the tea party free of charge. All tickets to performances and tea party may be purchased online through the website www.kingsportballet.org.
