Nutmeg Ballet's 24th Annual Nutcracker

Anticipation, excitement and the familiar strains of Tchaikovsky fill the air at Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts in downtown Torrington. Rehearsals are well underway for Nutmeg Ballet's 24th annual Nutcracker performances to be held the first two weekends in December in Torrington and Simsbury. In the evening, the lights come on, props are brought out and the brand new Conservatory studios are filled with dancers striving for the perfection, beauty and grace that define the Nutmeg Ballet. Their performances are sure to delight even the most discriminating audience.

Over 120 young people, ranging in age from 7 to 23 and hailing from towns across Connecticut and the United States, will take part in this year's production. Nutmeg enthusiastically welcomes guest choreographer Brian Simerson, a member of MOMIX, and guest artists Kelly Schultz, a 2000 graduate of Nutmeg Ballet's 10-year pre-professional training program, Tim Melady, formerly of the Hartford Ballet, and Alexi Tchernichov, formerly of the Bolshoi Ballet. Ms. Schultz will alternate roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and Arabian soloist, and Mr. Melady and Mr. Tchernichov will alternate appearances as Dr. Drosselmeyer.

Numerous choreographers take part in the creation of Nutmeg's exquisite Nutcracker, resulting in a ballet that sparkles with individuality. This enables the dancers to bring to the audience an exciting variety of dance styles and approaches. Choreographers for this year include, in addition to Mr. Simerson, former American Ballet Theatre prima ballerina Eleanor D'Antuono along with Nutmeg teaching staff Sharon Dante, Joan Kunsch, Susan Szabo and Alexi Tchernichov.

Nutmeg Ballet is one of the only companies in the area to present the traditional full-length version of the Nutcracker. Beautiful costumes, opulent sets and Nutmeg Ballet's long-standing reputation for excellence create a memorable holiday event, perfect to share year after year with family and friends.

Performances will be held at the Warner Theatre, Main St. in Torrington on Saturday, December 1 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday December 2 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15, $18, $20 and $25; for more info call 860-489-7180.

Performances will be held in the Centennial Theatre at Westminster School in Simsbury on Friday, December 7 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, December 8 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, December 9 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are $18, $20 and $25; for more info call 860-658-5878, or 860-482-4413.