Young dancers join professionals on stage for holiday classic ‘The Nutcracker’
One of the ballerinas featured in “The Nutcracker” performance by local studios, Glacier Symphony, and the San Diego Ballet Company at the Wachholz Center Dec. 10 and Dec. 11.
Some of the cast featured in “The Nutcracker” performance by local studios, Glacier Symphony, and the San Diego Ballet Company at the Wachholz Center Dec. 10 and Dec. 11.
The Glacier Symphony, the San Diego Ballet Company and local dance studios partner to present a fully staged production of “The Nutcracker” at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Dec. 10 and at 1 p.m. on Dec. 11, in the new McClaren Hall at Wachholz College Center in Kalispell.
This performance incorporates over 60 young local dancers from across the Flathead Valley and propels these local ballerinas to new levels of opportunity in their performance future. Local dance studios represented in the production include Northwest Ballet School, Noble Dance, Turning Pointe, Eureka Community Ballet, the Academy of the Performing Arts and Bigfork Dance.
“We are thrilled to bring a high-caliber performance of Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and the Nutcracker ballet to entertain our audiences in the Flathead Valley,” said John Zoltek, artistic director and conductor of the Glacier Symphony Orchestra and Chorale. “The combination of live symphonic music, professional ballerinas and young dancers from our area will create a truly magical holiday experience for all involved.”
Marisa Roth, owner and director of the local Northwest Ballet School, has been impressed with the passionate dancers, ages 6 and up, and their dedicated parents.
"It's going to be such a fun show," she said. "These kids have been such an inspiration to work with."
Regarding his first ballet scene experience in the Flathead Valley, San Diego Ballet Company's executive director Matt Carney said, "I'm impressed with the talent we saw by all that auditioned. It's heartwarming to see so many different studios from the entire region be represented. We are really looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate with local musicians and dancers and are excited to convene the community."
Glacier Symphony’s 40th anniversary “Symphonic Spectacular'' season is a celebration of a community-centered theme at Flathead Valley’s newest venue, McClaren Hall at Wachholz College Center. The community has long aspired for a high-end performance venue in the Flathead Valley, as well as a designated performance home for Glacier Symphony Orchestra and Chorale. Glacier Symphony Orchestra and Chorale celebrates the unveiling of McClaren Hall at Wachholz College Center with the rest of the local community.
The Symphony and ballet will be playing for 1,000 audience members each performance and the acoustically and visually exceptional experience of the Wachholz Center will highlight the talent of the orchestra and chorale members, as well as the featured guest performers. As a reflection of this community milestone, the symphony presents its widest variety of seasonal performances yet, with each event incorporating intentional celebration of the Flathead Valley community.
Throughout this “Symphonic Spectacular” season, Glacier Symphony will weave the community-centered, interconnected feel into every performance at the new hall. As a member of the Flathead Valley for 40 years, Glacier Symphony highlights the spirit of comradery that makes the area so special. The fabulous scenery and exceptional performances add to the Flathead Valley’s sparkle too.
Tickets are available for purchase online starting at $39 per person, as well as college pricing starting at $15 and child (under 18) pricing starting at $12. For more information visit www.glaciersymphony.org
