Ballet Tennessee’s “The Nutcracker” will take place at the Hayes Concert Hall in the UTC Fine Arts Center on December 16 and 17 at 8 p.m., and December 18 at 2 p.m. Guest artists Sean Hilton of the Northwest Florida Ballet and Fredrick Davis of Dance Theatre of Harlem will supplement the cast of local dancers and community performers.
This production kicks off Ballet Tennessee’s 25th season and highlights the success of its aptly named signature programs: Professional Training Program and Talent Identification Program. Local dancers who are participants of PTP and TIP perform the majority of the solo and principal roles. “Some talented dancers come through these programs,” says artistic director Anna Baker VanCura, “including our guest artist, Fredrick Davis.” Other alumni who will be performing include Joseph Lynch, formerly of Montgomery Ballet, and Hannah Locke of Richmond Ballet. While it might be considered risky to place young dancers in ballerina roles, especially when last year’s draw was professionals from New York City Ballet, VanCura says the programs work.
“The company upholds standards of excellence at all levels and consistently creates professional quality performances that are delightful and exciting to attend.” The ballerina roles will be performed by Alondra Gomez (14; TIP and PTP dancer) as the Sugarplum Fairy, partnered by Sean Hilton, and Candace Ricketts (15; PTP dancer) as the Snow Queen, partnered by Fredrick Davis. ‘This is a ‘don’t miss’ production with local dancers who have the heart, ability, talent and motivation that promises a bright professional future. You will be able to say you saw them in Chattanooga first,” says VanCura. Tickets for this production are on sale at the UTC Fine Arts Center. Contact the box office at 423-425-4269 or go to www.utc.edu/finearts.