Hightstown High School Student featured in The Nutcracker

SUMMIT, NJ – November 10th, 2021 – Tanner Hutchinson, 17, of Hightstown, New Jersey will play the star role of “Sugar Plum Fairy” in this year’s full-length production of New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble’s (NJDTE) holiday classic THE NUTCRACKER. Tanner, the daughter of Ashley and Lee Hutchinson, currently attends Hightstown High School.

NJDTE returns with its 52nd Season of the full-length production of THE NUTCRACKER. Set to the classic music of Peter Tchaikovsky and choreographed by NJDTE Artistic Director Nancy Turano, the ballet features over 48 talented pre-professional dancers from New Jersey alongside renowned international guest artists Alexandra Gonzalez, Jacoby Pruitt and Eric Parra of Metropolitan Opera Ballet & Limon Dance. “It has been an honor to watch Tanner’s journey at NJDTE from a bright-eyed dreamer at age ten to the refined artist performing the highly technical role of Sugar Plum. She has the talent, intelligence and discipline to make it as a professional in the field,” says Artistic Director Nancy Turano. Tanner will also be featured in the roles of Snowflake and Dew Drop in the Waltz of the Flowers

“NJDTE is unique in that everyone, students, parents, instructors, staff, and especially Artistic Director Nancy Turano are absolutely dedicated to excellence. My NJDTE training has enabled me to be accepted into highly competitive Summer Intensives and now college programs. I am very grateful for all of my experiences with the company and excited and honored to perform as Sugar Plum,” says Tanner.

All performances take place at New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble, 315b Springfield Avenue, Summit, New Jersey on Saturday, December 11th at 2:00pm and 5:00pm, and Sunday, December 12th at 2:00pm and 5:00pm. Tickets are $45 and are available online at www.njdte.org. To request an interview with NJDTE Artistic Director Nancy Turano or one of our guest artists, please contact Maggie Fairley at events@njdte.org

PHOTO CREDIT: Headshot & Sugarplum by Nancy Turano

WHO: New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble

WHAT: THE NUTCRACKER

WHERE: New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble | 315b Springfield Avenue, Summit, N.J

WHEN: Saturday, December 11, 2021 | 2:00pm & 5:00pm

Sunday, December 12, 2021 | 2:00pm & 5:00pm

Sunday, December 19, 2021 | 7:00pm (Virtual Performance)

Sunday, December 5, 2021 | 4:00pm (Special Children’s Performance Ages 4-10) *

TICKETS: On Sale Now at www.njdte.org General Admission Adults/ Children $45

* December 5th only Children’s Performance / Children's Tickets $15 & 1 accompanying adult permitted $20

*Sunday, December 19, 2021 | 7:00pm (Virtual Performance) $50

To request an interview with NJDTE Artistic Director Nancy Turano or one of our guest artists, please contact Maggie Fairley at events@njdte.org

About NJDTE

New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble celebrates 52 years of providing artistic excellence in pre-professional dance education and performances, with forward-thinking programming that empowers dancers by engaging acclaimed artists and international choreographers. Led by award-winning Artistic Director Nancy Turano since 1994, NJDTE mentors and inspires dancers toward higher education and supports its alumni as professionals in the field.

GETTING THERE - VIA Parkway:

Take the Parkway to Exit 142 B for Interstate 78 West. Take I-78 W to exit 48 for Route 24. Take exit 9A to merge onto country road 527 S. turn right onto Springfield Avenue, and NJDTE will be on your right!

On-Site Parking

On-Site Parking is available at NJDTE Studios