Don't miss this season's production of the Nutcracker

Open your holiday season like a gaily wrapped present with southern New Mexico's largest, most lavish production of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker," presented by the Dali Ballet Company of Ruidoso. Featuring all-new choreography and exquisite costumes, this timeless tale of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince and their Christmas Eve journey to a world of dreams and magic begins Friday, December 8 at 7 PM and continues Saturday, December 9 at 2 PM and 7 PM at the elegant Spencer Theater in Alto, north of Ruidoso.

Joining Dali Ballet Company dancers are the professionals of the Youth American Ballet Company and Ballet Lubbock. "Dali's production offers a tremendous opportunity to see gifted and talented dancers from around the world," said a Dali Ballet Company spokesperson.

Sean Mitchell of Ballet Lubbock portrays the Nutcracker Prince. As the broken toy brought magically to life, athletic Mr. Mitchell brings drama to his battle with the Rat King then musicality to hispas de deux with Clara. 

The Nutcracker Prince escorts Clara to the Land of Sweets presided over by the Sugar Plum Fairy. Act Two reveals to Clara the magic of Christmas Eve in an extraordinary display of special effects and lighting that highlight dancers' exceptional interpretation of Tchaikovsky's renowned music.

This is Mr. Mitchell's second year in the Nutcracker Prince role with Dali. With Ballet Lubbock, he has danced other classical ballet "Nutcracker" roles as well as musical theater.

Katherine Derkach and Georgi Rusafov of Youth American Ballet Company in Gilbert, AZ portray the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier in their first appearances with Dali. 

The "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" is a pas de deux eagerly anticipated by ballet enthusiasts. The opening delicate bell-like notes of the celesta herald the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" as the most recognizable music of the ballet as well as an iconic holiday melody. 

Ms. Derkach, the Sugar Plum Fairy, is a principal dancer of Youth American Ballet Company. She has performed Aurora, Clara, Dew Drop Fairy and Snow Queen in their productions. She achieved third place the fourth World Ballet Art Competition in September. 

Georgi Rusafov portrays the Cavalier. He is the Artistic Director of Youth American Ballet Company. From Sofia, Bulgaria, Mr. Rusafov performed as a soloist with the Bulgaria National Opera and Ballet, received advanced Vaganova master education and won several ballet awards. In the US he was a principal dancer for Milwaukee Ballet, Northern Plains Ballet and Omaha Ballet Theater and Ballet Arizona.

Tickets for this traditional holiday classic at the Spencer Theater Friday,December 8 at 7 PM and Saturday, December 9 are available by calling the Spencer box office: 575-336-4800 or online:www.spencertheater.com. Follow "The Nutcracker" behind the scenes on Facebook at Dali Ballet Company.