Brandon Ballet's 'Nutcracker' a Holiday Tradition

Brandon Ballet will present four performances of the favorite seasonal ballet, Tchaikovsky’s  "The Nutcracker," Dec. 8-9.

The holiday classic will feature new choreography by Brandon Ballet artistic director, Octavio Martin, professional dancers, lavish costumes and scenery, and a score that will leave audiences dazzled.

The ballet tells the story of a little girl named Clara who, on the eve of Christmas, receives a wonderful gift, a wooden toy nutcracker from her mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer. The toy leads Clara on a magical journey through an enchanted winter wonderland with wondrous dancing snowflakes and the elegant Snow Queen, then onto the land of the sweets where Clara meets the regal and majestic Sugar Plum Fairy.  

"The Nutcracker" is suitable for the entire family and is a great way to introduce young children to the power and beauty of classical ballet.

The performances will take place Dec. 8 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 9 at 2 and 5:30 p.m. in the Spoto High School Auditorium, 8538 Eagle Palm Dr., Riverview.

The cost is $25 for adults, $15 for children 18 and under and $20 for seniors 55 years and up.

Tickets are available online or by calling 813-684-4282.

Brandon Ballet, which operates out of The Dancer Centre at 161 E. Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon, aims to make the performing arts accessible to the Central-West Florida community by offering tickets to performances at affordable prices.

Founded in 1993, Brandon Ballet is a nonprofit regional ballet company that develops and promotes opportunities for aspiring young dancers. By offering a superior training program and two major performances each year, the Brandon Ballet helps serious dancers broaden their dance experiences.

From its humble beginnings, the company has grown to include 38 dancers of varying levels.