Sunday, December 7, 2008

Amber Keeler is just one of many regional dancers participating in "The Nutcracker" next weekend.

About 45 dancers ages 5 to 60 will participate in the show this year alongside Manassas Ballet Theatre's professional cast members, said Amy Grant Wolfe, the company's artistic director.

Students and adults from across Virginia auditioned about two months ago for the show, securing roles in the party scene, as mice and soldiers and as court members who dance with the Sugar Plum Fairy.

"We enjoy doing this every year," Wolfe said. "The community looks forward to it, and the children love doing it. It's also nice for me to see them grow each year into beautiful dancers."

This year's production will be at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. next Sunday at Stonewall Jackson High School, 8820 Rixlew Lane, Manassas.

Cast members are also performing segments of the show at five local elementary schools, Wolfe said. The educational outreach program began Thursday and will continue through this week.

Manassas Ballet Theatre has performed the Christmas classic since 1994. Tickets for this year's show are $28 for adults and $18 for children and seniors. To purchase tickets or for information, call 703-257-1811 or visit http://www.manassasdance.org.