Get Ready for the Holidays: Bristol Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” Returns to the Stage!

Get Ready, Bristol! The Nutcracker is Back!

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Holiday excitement is in the air as Bristol Ballet gears up for its highly anticipated production of “The Nutcracker”. This beloved Christmas classic is set to take the stage for the first time this season on Friday, December 7, at Southwest Virginia Community College. But wait, there’s more! If you miss that show, you can catch it again on December 13 and 14 at the fabulous Paramount Bristol. It’s the perfect way to usher in the holiday spirit!

Meet the Stars of the Show

As rehearsals heat up, the energy among the ballet company members is infectious. Callie Baker, a 15-year-old dancer, is taking on a lead role for the first time and can hardly contain her excitement. “She’s regal, playful, and charming,” Callie says about her character. “I absolutely love being in ‘The Nutcracker’!” And she’s not alone; the sense of anticipation is palpable as the dancers come together to bring this magical tale to life.

A Christmas Tradition

The history of “The Nutcracker” stretches all the way back to the 1800s! The original story was penned by E.T.A. Hoffman, and Tchaikovsky’s captivating score transformed it into the ballet we cherish today. It premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1892, but its real fame in the U.S. took off thanks to George Balanchine’s staging in the 1950s. Now Bristol Ballet has made this performance a cherished holiday tradition.

Bristol Ballet — A Legacy of Dance

Founded in 1948 by the visionary Constance Hardinge, Bristol Ballet has grown from a small school to a vibrant performing company. In 2004, Michele Plescia took the reins as artistic director and continued to build on Hardinge’s legacy until her retirement in 2022. Now Plescia remains connected with the company as artistic director emeritus, guiding the next generation of talent.

New Twists for a Classic

Every year, Bristol Ballet finds ways to introduce local flair to their productions, and this year is no exception! Artistic and Development Director Amanda Hairston shared some exciting details: “We’re using some actual backdrops of the Blue Ridge Mountains covered with snow.” How lovely is that? It’s bound to create a stunning visual backdrop, enhancing the performance while keeping the essence of the classic story intact.

When and Where to Go

If you’re eager to experience this enchanting holiday staple for yourself, here’s what you need to know:

• First Show: December 7 at 7 p.m. – Southwest Virginia Community College, Claypool Hill
• Paramount Performance Dates: December 13 at 7:30 p.m. & December 14 at 12 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – Paramount Bristol, 518 State St., Bristol, Tenn.
• Ticket Prices: $11.50 – $35
• Contact: Call 423-274-8920 for more information

Come Join the Fun!

This December, don’t let the festive season pass you by without experiencing the magic of Bristol Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”. With an incredible cast, mesmerizing music, and delightful choreography, it’s an event the whole family will cherish. So gather your loved ones, get your tickets, and prepare to be swept away into a winter wonderland! You won’t want to miss it!