Mikal Fife is Clara in Premiere Dance Company's Nutcracker
Premiere Dance Company stages its 25th annual production of the holiday confection at 2 p.m. Dec. 17-18 at the Helena Civic Center. For a quarter century, the company has made it possible for aspiring young dancers to be part of this beloved classical ballet.
A cast of 98 dancers performs the choreography of Artistic Director Charlene White, who has directed all of the company’s Nutcrackers. Intricate sets transform the Civic Center stage into a beautifully decorated ballroom for the Stahlbaum’s annual Christmas party, replete with a growing Christmas tree. Beautiful costumes add to the professional feel of this production.
Clara and her Nutcracker Prince travel through the Land of Snow in an exquisite sleigh, meeting the Snow Queen and her dancing Snowflakes as a blanket of snow covers the stage. As they continue their journey to the Kingdom of Sweets, Clara and the Nutcracker Prince are treated to dances by Spanish Chocolates, Ribbon Candy, Bon Bons, Gingerbread and, of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Saturday’s performance is followed by a celebration at 5 p.m. at Carroll College, emceed by former cast members Kristine Fife and Tiffany Tiechrow. The gala includes a social hour, dinner by Sodexo, and a trip down memory lane.
Tickets are $10-$25 for the performance; $12-$25 for the celebration only (free for children under 5); and $22-$45 for the celebration and show; call 442-6519 or visit www.helenanutcracker.com.