Greater York Dance has slated performances of "The Nutcracker" and "The Hip Nut."
Under the artistic direction of Lori Garling with Lauren Peate as ballet mistress, the Midstate Ballet of Greater York Dance will present its 21st production of the holiday classic "The Nutcracker." A single performance will be presented on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, 50 N. George St., York.
"The Nutcracker" was written by E.T.A. Hoffman in 1816. The holiday ballet tradition takes place in two acts and tells the story of a Christmas Eve in the 1800s at the home of young Clara and her family, the Stahlbaums, during their holiday party. A mysterious magician, Drosselmeyer, makes a surprise visit and presents Clara with a unique Nutcracker doll. Thus begins the magical journey of Clara and her Nutcracker prince from a battle between toy soldiers and mice to the Kingdom of Snow and the Land of Sweets.
This year, Olivia Fowlkes will play the role of Clara. Olivia is a 10th-grade student in the Dover Area School District. Olivia studies ballet, pointe, partnering, modern, contemporary, jazz, tap, hip-hop, musical theater, acro, and conditioning for a total of more than 25 hours per week.
The guest artists, Yenessis A. Marzan Hernandez and David Enrique Soler Rosa, will travel from Puerto Rico to share the stage with Midstate Ballet local dancers and perform in the roles of Sugar Plum and Cavalier.
Greater York Dance will celebrate its fifth anniversary of "The Hip Nut," a contemporary retelling of "The Nutcracker," on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts. This multicultural world dance production is under the artistic direction of Garling.
The story begins on the day of a pep rally at school, just before Christmas break. The main character, Clara, struggles to deal with several bullies, and when a confrontation leaves Clara reeling, she finds confidence and clarity in a colorful world of dance.
This year, Annabelle Zengerle will play the role of Clara. She is a 12th-grade student in the West Shore School District. Since she was 3 years old, Annabelle has danced with Greater York Dance in ballet, pointe, hip-hop, tap, jazz, musical theater, and acro.
Guest groups from across central Pennsylvania will collaborate and perform various forms of dance in Act 2, where Clara visits many countries, including Ireland, Mexico, the Philippines, Japan, France, and Egypt.
Reserved seat tickets for "The Nutcracker" and "The Hip Nut" may be purchased by visiting http://www.appellcenter.org, calling 717-846-1111, or stopping by the box office at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts.
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