There’s nothing like the specter of a pandemic to put a damper on things. It was especially hard for Huntsville Ballet, for the year 2020 was also the year of no annual Nutcracker performances.

Canceling the performances was a difficult decision for Phillip Otto, Artistic Director for Huntsville Ballet.

The Huntsville Ballet’s production has been enjoyed by thousands of loyal patrons each year, except for the 2020 season, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of performances.

It’s hard to imagine the Christmas season without a performance of The Nutcracker. As Huntsville Ballet’s time-honored crown jewel of performances, the Nutcracker has delightfully ushered in the holiday season for over 50 years. The Nutcracker has long since established itself as a beloved tradition here in the Rocket City.

There is good news this year. The Nutcracker will return for the 2021 season and tickets are now available for Huntsville Ballet’s 52nd annual production on December 10-12.

After a yearlong hiatus, the cherished performances promise to be a delightful experience. The richly textured ballet, complete with fine artistry of the dancers, lush costuming, and dynamic set design, come together, beautifully accompanied by composer Peter Ilyitch Tschaikovsky’s iconic score.

Presented at Von Braun Center’s Mark C Smith Concert Hall, this years’ production will feature the Company’s entire roster of professional dancers, complemented by a young cast comprised of over 80 students from Huntsville Ballet School, the official school of Huntsville Ballet.

The Ballet’s annual performance of The Nutcracker also provides the Huntsville Ballet School students with the opportunity to audition and perform alongside the professional company.

Huntsville Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker features the Balanchine-inspired choreography of Phillip Otto, digital set design by UAH, costumes by Lisa Ordway and lighting by Cynthia Meyers and Marilyn West. Highlights of the production include a magical growing Christmas tree, an onstage blizzard of white snowflakes, dancing flowers, and Mother Ginger’s famous skirt.

Huntsville Ballet Company has enjoyed long and rich history of bringing the art of ballet to the community, from the lover of dance to the newbie. Along with annual performance of The Nutcracker, audiences have been delighted and inspired by time-honored classics, such as Romeo and Juliet, The Firebird, Cinderella, and The Sleeping Beauty along with other dance genres featured in newer works like Stage Door Canteen and The Tumbleweed Symphony.

“We’re extraordinarily grateful to be back on the stage for the 2021 holiday season and excited to present a classical portrayal of the characters that Huntsville, as well as the entire ballet world have grown to love,” said Otto. “2020 wasn’t the same without Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the land of Sweets.”

There will be four performances of The Nutcracker. Opening Night is Friday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m. In addition, there are shows at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 11. There is also a matinee performance on Sunday, December 12 at 1:00 p.m.

For tickets, visit www.huntsvilleballet.org/tickets or call 256-970-0917.