The Palos Verdes Ballet Nutcracker

 The Palos Verdes Ballet is thrilled to present its 38^thAnniversary Nutcracker season. Directed by Uta Graf-Apostol, this enchanting ballet classic will be performed at the Norris Theatre for one weekend only on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets are $38 for adults and $28 for children.

The magic is back! Beautifully danced by Palos Verdes Ballet’s talented pre-professional dancers, who will be dancing on stage with guest artist Priit Kripson from Royal Ballet of Flanders, will portray the double role of “Dr. Drosselmeier” and author “E.T.A. Hoffmann,” who, inspired by his niece and nephew Marie and Fritz, begins to write a Christmas story. Casting himself as the mysterious Herr Drosselmeier, Hoffmann writes passionately, “The story unfolds, and the characters spring to life!”

Palos Verdes Ballet students from various South Bay area schools will be sharing the roles of the main character, Marie, throughout the performance. Marie enters a moonlit living room in desperate search of her Nutcracker. The Mouse King fights the Nutcracker for control of the manor, but with the help of Drosselmeier’s magic the Nutcracker defeats the Mouse King. Marie dances her way into the arms of her beloved Nutcracker Prince. As Drosselmeier transforms young Marie into the “Sugar Plum Fairy,” every young ballerina’s dream role, she dances with the Nutcracker Prince to celebrate their love.

This winter guest artist Stephan Azulay from Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, will portray the role of the Nutcracker Prince, who will sweep away Marie to the Land of Sweets where they dance one of the most renowned dances, “Grand Pas de deux.”

“The Nutcracker is an extremely important tradition to my students,” said Graf-Apostol. “They look forward to sharing magic and joy of this beloved Christmas story to all.”

To purchase tickets to the Nutcracker performance, visit www.palosverdesballet.org.