The Chinese Dance from Kingsport Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker."
Kingsport Ballet prepares for a vibrant, exciting season kickoff with "The Nutcracker," Dec.15-18 at Northeast State College's Wellmont Performing Arts Center, Blountville, Tennessee.
There will be three public performances, Dec. 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2:30 p.m.
"By staging The Nutcracker the weekend before Christmas it provides folks an optimal event to kick off the season with the whole family," said Kingsport Ballet's board president Lee Houston. "We had several sold out performances last year, so I intend to plan early and get our tickets in advance." 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. Updates will be posted on the company's social media outlets and their box office answering service.
Kingsport Ballet's traditional Russian version is full of holiday warmth, elegance and the magic of the season.
Fittingly, they once again feature an impressive slate of international artists, specifically Nations Wilkes-Davis and SeHuyn, principals with Columbia Classical Ballet. Wilkes-Davis and SeHuyn performed lead roles in Kingsport Ballet's "Swan Lake" earlier this year, as well as for their own company.
"They are young, talented and very exciting to watch," says Artistic Director Valeria Sinyavskaya. "We also have an accomplished and strong company this year. Audiences will not want to miss their performances."
Kingsport Ballet features an expanded ballet boutique at the theater during "The Nutcracker" performances, as an extension of their in-house store, kbBoutique. Gifts, ornaments, holiday cards and Rifle Paper giftwrap are available for purchase.
Tickets are on sale through www.kingsportballet.org or 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 can enjoy the traditional Clara's Tea and Chocolate, which takes place just prior to Saturday evening's performance Dec. 17. The tea party is at 5 p.m., and tickets are sold separately at $10 per child, by calling Kingsport Ballet 423-378-3967.
