Dreaming of dolls that come to life? Dancing sweets and the Sugar Plum Fairy? A magically growing Christmas tree? Area dancers take the stage once again to create a holiday tradition in Central New York - The Nutcracker.

There are many different productions of The Nutcracker being presented in Central New York. Probably the longest standing performance is Mohawk Valley Ballet's show at The Stanley. Once again this year, there will be school day performances of the traditional ballet, with thousands of kids flooding the theater on Thursday and Friday, December 1st and 2nd. Do you remember taking a field trip to The Stanley to see this extravagant event when you were in Elementary School? They will also offer public performances on Saturday, December 3rd at 7:30pm and on Sunday, December 4th at 2pm.

For something different, Dancecenter of Utica and the Living Arts Movement will be presenting a "Jazzed Up Nutcracker" at MVCC's theater on Sunday, December 20th at 3pm.

Utica Dance will be presenting their take on the traditional ballet in Wellin Hall at Hamilton College this year. They are offering 4 performances - Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 16th-18th with nighttime and matinee performances.

Kirkland Arts Center and Center Stage Dance Studio have joined forces to give you another option for popular seasonal ballet. They will be performing at the Clinton School Theater on Friday, December 2nd at 6:30pm.

Leatherstocking Ballet has been performing The Nutcracker for years around the area. However, this year they will be performing a new creation - Twas the Night Before Nutcracker, a fun and festive prequel to the familiar story. This year, it will be an in-studio performance, not open to the public. But they hope to launch this new take on the holiday classic next year. You can find out more by clicking here.

 

Dance Recital
CJ/TSM Utica
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Dance is a great activity for kids - it's a very good form of physical fitness, and it teaches youngsters focus and discipline that will help them in so many aspects of their future, no matter what they choose to do. It's very encouraging to see so many local dance schools continuing to bring this fine art to life. Hope to see you at a performance around town soon!


Here's a look back at "Behind The Scenes" of last year's Mohawk Valley Ballet production of The Nutcracker:

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