The Nutcracker comes to The Straz

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts' Next Generation Ballet (NGB) presents Nutcracker in Carol Morsani Hall on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 20, at 2 p.m. New York City Ballet (NYCB) principals Sterling Hyltin and Adrian Danchig-Waring, and the award-winning dancers of NGB, will perform with a cast

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts' Next Generation Ballet (NGB) presents Nutcracker in Carol Morsani Hall on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 20, at 2 p.m.

New York City Ballet (NYCB) principals Sterling Hyltin and Adrian Danchig-Waring, and the award-winning dancers of NGB, will perform with a cast of nearly 175 dancers, gymnasts and other guest artists. Hyltin will portray the Sugar Plum Fairy and Danchig-Waring will dance the role of Cavalier.

Choreographed by former NGB Artistic Director Peter Stark with a few new additions by current NGB Artistic Director Philip Neal and is designed (sets, props and costumes) by Thom J. Peterson. This production has "marvelous" costumes "with inventive, whimsical touches." (Tampa Bay Times) From the moment the lights dim, audiences are transported to a magical place filled with toy soldiers, a growing Christmas tree, giant mice and crystalline waltzing snowflakes. "This Nutcracker is a standout among many." (Sarasota Herald-Tribune)

Hyltin joined NYCB in 2002 and was promoted to principal in 2007. Among her most cherished roles are her origination of Juliette in New York City Ballet's Romeo and Juliette by Artistic Director Peter Martins. She appeared in this role in the national broadcast on PBS. Danchig-Waring entered NYCB in 2001 and was promoted to principal in 2013. He has created many original roles in works by some of today's foremost choreographers such as Christopher Wheeldon, Alex Ratmansky and Justin Peck.

A stepping stone for great dance talent, NGB prepares dancers for professional employment through instruction, coaching and performance opportunities. The company is committed to the artistic, personal and professional development of outstanding young dancers. Performers in NGB have been awarded scholarship opportunities at the leading ballet schools worldwide including the Royal Ballet School of England and The School of American Ballet. Students have also received employment with ballet companies including Boston Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet and Hamburg Ballet and have placed first in competitions including Youth America Grand Prix, Prix de Lausanne and the World Ballet Competition.

Pre-show activities will include family photos with Santa Claus and live caroling.

Regularly priced tickets for the Saturday, Dec. 19, 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 20, 2 p.m. performances of Nutcracker are $30-$125 and may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Sales Office or online at www.strazcenter.org. For more information about the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts and its upcoming events, please visit the Straz Center's website at

www.strazcenter.org

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