DANCE

This holiday season, Dance Prism is celebrating its 30th Anniversary production of The Nutcracker! Come experience this holiday tradition close to home on December 15 & 16 at the J. Evertt Collins Center in Andover.

Dance Prism’s setting of the beloved tale of a child’s fantasy features lively choreography, Tchaikovsky’s exquisite score, and the traditional delights of the holiday classic, following Clara's magical journey from a traditional 19th century Christmas party through a fantastic battle between toy soldiers and giant mice and a voyage through the ethereal kingdom of Snow, arriving finally at the Land of the Sugarplum Fairy.

The strains of Tchaikovsky's familiar music accompany a growing Christmas tree, a reindeer drawn sleigh amidst a swirling snowstorm, and the clash of swords as a menacing Rat King battles the valiant Nutcracker Prince. More than 350 imaginative costumes enhance a cast of 140 that includes the professional dancers and apprentices of the company as well as aspiring ballet students drawn from state-wide open auditions. Young audience members are invited to meet Clara and the Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier following all performances.

Dance Prism, a touring company, has presented classical and original ballets in New England cities since 1982, providing communities of the region affordable high quality professional productions. Dance Prism’s Nutcracker, and such other productions as Giselle, Cinderella, Swan Lake, and A Tea Party with Alice in Wonderland appear in Worcester’s Mechanics Hall, The Collins Center in Andover, Jackson Arts Center in Fall River, and other conveniently located venues that allow audiences to experience the excitement of the performing arts in a truly accessible manner.