Return of the Nutcracker
Wilmington Ballet Company celebrates 20th anniversary
BY Fritts Causby
Mark your calendar!
December 18th & 19th
The Great Wilmington Nutcracker
Presented by US International Ballet
For those who think there is simply no substitute for seeing a live performance in person, the excitement surrounding the return of The Great Wilmington Nutcracker may be even stronger than a visit from jolly old St. Nick. The event, which was only offered virtually last year due to COVID-19, is set to take place Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. and Dec. 19 at 3 p.m. at the Wilson Center.
“Wilmington Ballet Company is so excited for the return of live audiences for The Great Wilmington Nutcracker this year,” says Aunika Browne, executive director. “We truly missed sharing performances with our community directly and are thrilled to be able to share this magical holiday tradition once again.”
The performance will feature professionals and local youth, along with 16 dancers and volunteers from A Chance to Dance, which provides education and training to special-needs dancers. Wilmington Ballet Company is providing funds for the Charlotte-based nonprofit to assist with accommodations and travel expenses.
To mark the 20th anniversary celebration, the performance will include an array of new special effects, set against a backdrop of pageantry and staging that includes more than 500 costumes and a digital streaming background.
It will also include a passing of the torch ceremony. WBC founder Elizabeth Hester is officially stepping down and handing the leadership mantle to Browne, who was hired in 2020 before the pandemic shut down performances.
This will undoubtedly be a special memory for Hester, who is playing Clara’s mother in the event and whose daughter, Mary Hester, is playing Clara.
The event is expected to sell out quickly, so anyone with an interest in seeing an arabesque, sauté or jeté in person should immediately visit www.wilsoncentertickets.com.