Ellington and Somers Dancers to Appear in Connecticut Concert Ballet's Rendition of The Nutcracker

Magical holiday dreams really do come true!

A giant Christmas tree that grows before your eyes, valiant toy soldiers, twirling snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and visions of sugarplums – it's time once again for the .

This year's production includes , alongside professional dancers Mario I. Espinoza and Kimberly Van Woesik from Ballet Hispanico of New York City on Dec. 10 and Dec. 11, and Jennifer Grapes and Darren McIntyre from Chicago, Illinois and most recently with the Milwaukee Ballet on Dec. 17 and Dec. 18, who will dance the roles of the Nutcracker and the Sugar Plum Fairy. 

Six dancers from Ellington and two from Somers will have roles in the production.

Performances will be held at the Bailey Auditorium at Manchester High School, 134 Middle Turnpike East, at the following dates and times: 

• Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m.

Ticket Information: Preferred Front & Center Seats $35; General Admission, Adult $25, Child/Student/Senior $15. Tickets are available online at www.connecticutnutcracker.com, by phone at 860-418-7294, also at Dance Village, 171 Spencer St., Manchester, and Hairdresser on Fire, 176 Broad St., Windsor.

The Nutcracker is the major production of the year for the Connecticut Concert Ballet and provides funds for operating the school year-round that tuition alone does not cover. It helps CCB keep its tuition the lowest in the area and also provides for scholarships that would not otherwise be available, which directly returns a benefit to local communities in the form of affordable arts education and entertainment. 

Connecticut Concert Ballet is a semi-professional 501(c)(3) classical ballet school and performing arts organization with studios in Manchester and Windsor, and has 300 students from over 35 towns in the Greater Hartford, northern and eastern areas of the state.