Staff Report
The Allan Hancock College youth dance program continues a beloved holiday tradition with their annual performance of “The Nutcracker” ballet on Dec. 21 and 22 at Santa Maria High School’s Ethel Pope Auditorium.
The classic Tchaikovsky ballet takes place on Christmas Eve and follows the story of Clara, who finds herself caught in a battle between a nutcracker soldier and an evil army of mice. After the nutcracker transforms into a prince, he takes Clara on a journey into a magical realm.
This year’s show features more than 60 performers of all ages. Those performers include Righetti High School student Bailey Adams as Clara, Nipomo High School freshman Lilly Edwards as the Solider Doll and Righetti High School student Hannah Reynolds as the Sugar Plum Fairy.
“Our Nutcracker performers come from Lompoc, Orcutt, Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande,” said Hancock’s Youth Dance Program Director Courtney Grimnes. “As neighbors, friends and family, it’s a chance to support children’s art in a way that will bring the Christmas spirit into every home this season.”
Hancock’s Community Education offers youth dance classes as part of its College for Kids program. Many of the students who perform in “The Nutcracker” often dance year after year, moving through different roles and scenes, culminating with their last performance during their senior year in high school.
Performance dates and times are Saturday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 22, at 2 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at Allan Hancock College Community Education (bldg. S) or at the door for $15 adults/$10 children.
Spring 2019 College for Kids dance classes begin the week of Jan. 21. The complete list of spring classes is available online through Class Search at www.hancockcollege.edu. Registration for spring classes is underway. For more information, call 1-805-922-6966 ext. 3209.
