Footlight Dance Centre Presents Its First Homegrown Nutcracker, December 4 to 6

More than 80 young dancers and a cast of Footlight parents take the stage in a holiday classic produced entirely by the valley's own studio, with a free morning performance for local elementary schools

Footlight Dance Centre will present The Nutcracker December 4 through 6 at the Wood River High School Performing Arts Theater. Three public performances and a free school show will feature more than 80 local dancers, from young children through advanced students, alongside Footlight parents who play the Parents at the Party. It is a true community production, made by and for Wood River Valley families.

Some of Footlight's faculty choreographed and staged the full ballet: Mackenzie King, Sophia Rumasuglia, Anne Winton, Jace Pauly, and Sabrina Bilancione. Local dancers hold every part, from Bon Bons to the Sugar Plum Fairy. Featured roles include Aria Crofts as Clara, Max Leidecker as The Nutcracker, Charlotte Brickley as the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Jason Howell as Drosselmeyer.

Performances and tickets

All public performances are at the Wood River High School Performing Arts Theater. Tickets are $25 for all ages and are on sale now at www.footlightdance.org. The show runs about 75 minutes in total, including an intermission, making it a good fit for young audience members.

A holiday boutique will be open in the lobby at every performance. Proceeds go toward providing scholarships and master classes for Footlight Dancers.

Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy

Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy is a sweet way to make the performance truly memorable for young audience members. Before the Sunday matinee, from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. on December 6, guests will enjoy tea, hot chocolate and cookies, make a holiday craft, and have their photo taken with the Sugar Plum Fairy. Little ones are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite tutu or best holiday outfit.

Tea tickets are $15 per person, in addition to a performance ticket. Space is limited.