Delaware Dance Alliance to present 'The Nutcracker Ballet' Dec. 5, 6

Delaware Dance Alliance will present "The Nutcracker Ballet" at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5,  and 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 6, at Seaford High School. Based on a story by E.T.A Hoffman (The Nutcracker and the King of Mice), featuring the music of Tchaikovsky and combined with original choreography by Delaware Division of the Arts winner Michele Xiques, "The Nutcracker Ballet" is a holiday classic not to be missed.

The performance begins with a festive holiday party where the audience meets Clara and Fritz. It’s a party filled with the exuberance and joy of their friends and a visit from life-sized dolls that captivate everyone. The highlight of the evening comes when Clara is given the gift of a strong and regal nutcracker. Clara’s joy is short-lived when Fritz breaks the nutcracker and the party comes to an end.

As the evening grows late, the guests leave and Clara falls asleep. After midnight, a dream fairy visits and transports everyone into the vivid dream of young Clara. The journey through Clara’s dream will bring the audience to the front lines of a battle between the Nutcracker and a group of mice; into the enchanting world of snow where they'll encounter dancing snowflakes, as well as the Snow King and Queen; and then into the magical Land of Sweets where there are dancing candy canes and gumdrops, and the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier will dance a pas de deux.

Delaware Dance Alliance has been bringing quality pre-professional ballet performances to Kent and Sussex counties since 2010. Stay tuned for more information on "Annie" coming in spring 2016. DDA makes its home at First State Dance Academy in Milford but includes dancers throughout Kent and Sussex counties, as well as the Berlin and Parsonburg areas of Maryland.

This year, DDA welcomes guest artist Jake Allison to dance the part of the Cavalier. He is a professional ballet dancer with over 10 years of performing experience. He trained in Wilmington with Pasha and Kristina Kambalov of First State Ballet Theatre. After graduating from FSBT's Vaganova Syllabus Program, Allison joined FSBT as a company member and went on to perform principal roles in classical ballets including "Giselle," "The Sleeping Beauty," and "Don Quixote," as well as many contemporary works. He has also taught ballet technique classes throughout the Philadelphia area.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for seniors and children. They are available at the door, First State Dance Academy in Milford or online at brownpapertickets.com.

For more information call 302-422-2633 or email dedancealliance@verizon.net.