CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Westside Studio of Performing Arts continues a time-honored holiday tradition with four performances of the classic ballet “The Nutcracker.” Bring the whole family to enjoy this whimsical wintertime tale of enchanting fairies, charming princes and dazzling candy-lands.
Under the direction of Sheila Bailey, Westside Studio has performed a full-scale production of “The Nutcracker” every year since 2000. The ballet features accomplished professional dancers as well as local dance students, while beautifully decorated sets and exquisite costumes accent Tchaikovsky’s magical score.
“It’s a Christmas tradition that we love being able to do every year,” said Wyone Orchard, the studio’s office manager. “The show is perfect for kids and families to enjoy together.”
Westside Studio will present “The Nutcracker” at Desert Hills High School on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 9 and 10, with performances at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., both days. Tickets cost $15, $20, $30 or $40 depending on section and are available to purchase online.
First performed in 1892, “The Nutcracker” is a two-act ballet based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s fairy tale about a young German girl who dreams of a handsome nutcracker prince and a fierce battle against a tyrannical mouse king. Although the story has been adapted countless times for film, television and theater, it remains a beloved Christmas favorite with audiences worldwide.
Grown-ups and children alike will delight in seeing the mice and soldiers battle before Clara continues into the Snow Kingdom and the Land of the Sweets to visit the Sugar Plum Fairy. There, dancers from around the world assemble to entertain Clara and the Nutcracker Prince, bringing smiles to the faces of the entire audience.
The ensemble cast stars Matisse Madden as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Gennaro Della Ragione as the Cavalier and Troy McGee as Drosselmeyer. Madden and Della Ragione hail from the East Coast, while McGee lives in Southern Utah and has appeared in many productions at Tuacahn Center for the Arts.
“They’re all so talented and really bring a level of professionalism to our production,” Orchard said.
Many of the roles, however, are played by local dance students. For the young talent being nurtured at Westside Studio, “The Nutcracker” is a thrilling opportunity to perform alongside seasoned professionals.
After a successful performing and teaching career, Bailey founded Westside Studio with the desire to be part of creating a dance environment in her hometown. The studio has the staff and expertise to offer beginning through advanced classes for kids, teens and adults in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical, modern, musical theater and more.
At Westside Studio, students use the tools they learn in dance training to gain confidence, succeed academically and develop a lifelong appreciation of the beauty of music and the arts. The inspiration behind it all is building beautiful people from the inside out through dance.
Event details
- What: Westside Studio of Performing Arts presents “The Nutcracker.”
- When: Friday and Saturday, Dec. 9-10, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Desert Hills High School, 828 E. Desert Hills Drive, St. George.
- Tickets: $15-$40.
- Resources: Website.
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
• S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T •
Resources
- Westside Studio of Performing Arts | Address: 170 N. 400 East, St. George | Telephone: 435-674-9728 | Email: [email protected] | Website.
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