Chattanooga Ballet presents ‘The Nutcracker’

Sugar- plum fantasies and snow-covered dreams are destined to come true when Chattanooga Ballet presents its 29th production of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic “The Nutcracker” this weekend in the Tivoli Theatre.

The company will be accompanied by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, under the baton of Kayoko Dan, for performances Friday through Sunday, Dec. 9-11.

Over the years, Chattanooga Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” has become one of Chattanooga’s most cherished productions.

First presented in 1988 with a cast of 60 dancers, the production has grown to include a cast of more than 220 performers, including members of the professional company, guest artists and dance students from throughout the tri-state area.

Artistic Di r e c t o r Andrew Parker says “fresh, new choreography” will be debuted for select dances in this production, some based on his favorite ideas from multiple productions he has performed in and directed over many years, starting at age 10 in Boston Ballet’s “Nutcracker.”

“Highlights i nclude brand- new choreography for the Snow Scene, including the regal Snow Queen and King and fluttering Snowflakes, as well as a beautiful pink garden of lovely dancers in the newly conceived Waltz of the Flowers,” he says. “Other surprises will abound, and ••• › Where: › Admission: › Phone: › Website: I hope our loyal audience enjoys this year’s vibrant mix of our traditional production along with some of our new features. There will be something for everyone.”

Sharing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy will be professional company members Kirsten Hyde and Claire Carlisle Young partnered by Diamond Lagrave, a principal dancer at Pas de Vie Ballet in Tallahassee, Fla.

The principal role of the Snow Queen will be danced by professional company members Caroline Blair and Kirsten Hyde, partnered by guest artist Christopher Jarocz. Jarocz has been a company member of Cirque Du Soleil casts of “Viva Elvis” in Las Vegas and “Iris” at the Kodak Theatre. He is a graduate of the prestigious Southern Methodist University dance program and was handpicked by Cirque du Soleil to represent them in the television shows “So You Think You Can Dance?” and “Dancing With the Stars.”

Professional company members Samantha Sole and Caroline Blair will dance the role of the Rose Queen. The role of Clara will be shared by Daley Culberson and Lydia Campbell. Avery Tisdale and Sebastien Cooper will perform the role of the Nutcracker Prince.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Kirsten Hyde is one of two professional company members dancing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Chattanooga Ballet production of “The Nutcracker.” Also performing that principal role is Claire Carlisle Young. They’ll be partnered by Diamond...