Ballet West Performs Willam Christensen's THE NUTCRACKER at the Kennedy Center

Featuring Tchaikovsky's timeless holiday score, Ballet West returns to the Kennedy Center with Willam Christensen's beloved choreography in The Nutcracker, December 5-9 for seven performances in the Opera House.

Ballet West returns to the Kennedy Center for its eighth visit, last seen in 2014. The fully redesigned production, unveiled last year in Salt Lake City, takes audiences on a dramatic, whimsical journey, and features all brand new opulent sets by John Wayne Cook, costumes by David Heuvel, props, and spectacular effects, all while maintaining the integrity of the original choreography. Such unique effects include the iconic Christmas tree in Act I growing wider and taking on a 3-D effect.

An annual anticipated opportunity for local partnership for learning and collaboration between area artists and visiting companies, more than 90 local children from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area will join in the production, including filling the roles of beloved Clara and Fritz. In addition, the Arlington Children's Chorus lend their voices to the dazzling snow scene. All performances will be accompanied by the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra.

Known as the longest-running full-length production in America, Christensen's Nutcracker was originally choreographed for San Francisco Ballet in 1944 after conversations with Alexandra Danilova and George Balanchine. Christensen founded Ballet West in Salt Lake City in 1963, and the company has kept his celebrated Nutcracker in its repertoire ever since.

The Nutcracker tells the classic holiday story through the eyes of Clara, a wide-eyed young girl, as she embarks on a wondrous journey filled with heroic toy soldiers, sword-fighting mice, a journey to the Land of Sweets, elegant waltzes, unique divertissements, and the delicate "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy". Pairing reimagined designs with beloved choreography, this timeless production of the holiday favorite delivers treasured moments and surprising new delights, taking audiences on a wonder-filled and child-like journey.

Principal casting is listed here.

ABOUT BALLET WEST

Ballet West was established in Salt Lake City in 1963. Willam F. Christensen was the company's first artistic director, co-founding the company together with Utah's "First Lady of the Arts" Glenn Walker Wallace. Today, Ballet West boasts a rich and varied repertoire, elegant and versatile artists, and an American style and legacy that is as dynamic, expansive, and unexpected as the Rocky Mountain region it represents. Ballet West has toured the world several times, presenting the very best in American classical ballet. With 42 company members, 15 Second Company members, and a thriving academy that trains dancers of all ages-many of whom have gone on to professional careers with Ballet West and companies around the world-Ballet West ranks among the top professional ballet companies in America. With its eclectic and ever-expanding outlook, Ballet West is truly an American pioneer in the world of dance.

Tickets start at $59 and can be purchased on the Kennedy Center website, at the Kennedy Center box office, or by calling Instant Charge at (202) 467-4600. Patrons living outside the Washington metropolitan area may dial toll-free at (800) 444-1324. For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540.

Photo Credit: Beau Pearson