ballet
Ballet Arkansas’ 40th Anniversary Nutcracker Spectacular takes the stage at the Robinson Performance Hall this December 6 – 9 for four main stage performances and two student matinee performances. The largest holiday production in Central Arkansas, Ballet Arkansas’ Nutcracker has been a tradition in Little Rock for decades. A two-act ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa, with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker is a timeless story about a young girl’s journey into a magical land, The Land of the Sweets, on one winter’s eve. 
Joining Ballet Arkansas’ fourteen professional dancers onstage is a community cast made up of over 200 children and adults, including local dancers, previous Ballet Arkansas dancers, Ballet Arkansas board members, and local celebrities. Complete with live music provided by the talented musicians of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Geoffrey Robson, and the ethereal voices of the Mount St. Mary Academy Concert Belles or the Episcopal Collegiate Choirs, The Nutcracker is a performance for all ages to enjoy. “The Nutcracker is a beloved Holiday classic that families look forward to each year as a part of their traditions, and this year’s production features fully updated choreography, a handful of holiday surprises, and much more!” says Associate Artistic Director, Catherine Fothergill. In 2017, Michael Fothergill, Executive and Artistic Director of the organization took steps to re-vitalize the choreography in the 2nd Act. This year, we have renovated the 1st Act, while maintaining some of the time honored and fan favorite traditions. This updated show celebrates the past, breathing new life into the organization’s most beloved holiday tradition. For the 2nd year in a row, Ballet Arkansas will be live streaming the matinee performances at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. 
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Performances Friday, December 7, 7 pm, Saturday, December 8, 2 pm and 7 pm, and Sunday, December 9, 2 pm. This year’s performance includes an opportunity to purchase ‘sweet seats’ for $99 which includes the best seats in house and a special gift with purchase. Tickets range from $20-99 and are available by calling Celebrity Attractions Box Office at (501)-244-8800 or by visiting Ticketmaster. 
Nutcracker Special Event 
The 2nd annual Land of the Sweets Nutcracker Tea will be held at the Robinson Performance Hall on December 9, 11:30 am-12:30 pm. Attendees will be invited on stage to enjoy the set up close, meet the characters from the ballet, try delicious treats from the Land of the Sweets, have your photo taken with the Sugar Plum Fairy, hear the magical story of The Nutcracker, and make it snow on stage as the dancers give an up close holiday performance. Tickets are $30 each and all attendees must purchase a ticket. Tickets available here. 
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