Northwest Ballet Company offers five performances of a holiday classic

The Northwest Ballet Company continues a valley holiday tradition with Thanksgiving-weekend performances of the "Nutcracker."

This year's presentation at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts will come alive through the collaboration of dancers and artists from throughout the valley. The presentation is both classical and new, with revamped costumes, lights, sets and choreography.

Northwest Ballet Company artistic director Carol Jakes and executive director Cathy Johnson are working together on their 11th "Nutcracker" and 24th company production on the Bigfork stage.

Principle roles are performed by company members and guest artists. Nick Lindsey is the Nutcracker Prince. Tim Ohl, a highly trained dancer and guest artist, is the Snow Prince.

The 2004 Northwest Ballet Company is joined on stage with students from the Northwest Ballet School including students down to age 7 playing angels, mice, soldiers and ginger snaps.

Teachers from the school have joined Jakes as choreographers. Marisa Roth, who started dancing with Jakes at age 5 and went on to earn a degree in dance, will perform the Russian dance. Teachers Natalie Molter and Stacy Jacobson have created numbers that bring new life to the stage. Katie Nixon, a former guest artist, has brought magic to the "Snow and Flower" scene with new choreography.

Bigfork artist Linda Ensign has created new sets. Lighting director Gary Gorbett, who has been with the company for all 24 productions, has designed state-of-the-art lighting, using new technology and spectacular scene color.

Performances are: Nov. 26, 2 and 8 p.m.; Nov. 27, 2 and 8 p.m.; and Nov. 28, 4 p.m.

Following the Friday Matinee is the "Sugar Plum Fairy Parade." Audience members will meet the company and children receive candy canes.

Books West on Main Street in Kalispell, 752-6900, is the exclusive ticket outlet for the "Nutcracker." Tickets for adults are $17 and $12 for children ages 12 and under.

Performances usually sell out; early ticket purchase is advised.

Please find attached photos: "Clara w/Nutcracker" - Mckenzie Javorka;

"Northwest Ballet Company Members 2004"- Alexa Aasheim, Whitney Aasheim, Paige Allison, Lexie Conat, Katie Green, Jennifer Jameson, Katie McEwin, Rebecca Ostrom,

Lindsey Schwickert, Brieann Webber

Cathy Johnson (406)249-1708.