Eastern Connecticut Ballet presents The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker ballet has been thrilling young and old for many years, but Eastern Connecticut Ballet’s performance is truly an original. One hundred professionally trained dancers from the East-Lyme based dance school will share the spotlight with guest artists from New York City Ballet at the Garde Arts Center. There will be three performances: Sat. Dec. 14 at 1:30 and 7 p.m., and Sunday Dec. 15 at 1:30 p.m. The Nutcracker requires a huge cast of dancers and actors to tell the story of a little girl with big dreams who takes a magical voyage around the world. In addition to the heroine Clara and her brave Nutcracker, the ballet features tiny mice, the Snow King and Snow Queen, sailors and pirates, waltzing flowers, and many more characters. Tchaikovsky’s musical masterwork includes such beloved classics such as the Waltz of the Snowflakes. Special effects include a flying Christmas tree, a clock that looks like an owl, and a magical snowstorm onstage. The family-friendly event will feature four guest artists from the renowned New York City Ballet (NYCB). Sara Mearns, who has been called “the great American ballerina of our time,” is every inch the Sugarplum Fairy. A dancer who has earned high acclaim in the world of ballet, will join Ms. Mearns as her Cavalier. New to the Garde stage, ECB will welcome Adrian Danchig-Waring and Unity Phelan as the Snow King and Queen. Set in New London of the 1850s, ECB's The Nutcracker is truly a community celebration with a special connection to our past and present. It would not be possible without the generosity of many donors and the dedication of ECB’s volunteers. To share the magic of The nutcracker with friends and family this December, visit tickets.gardearts.org or call the Garde box office at 860-444-7373, Ext 1.