Arts and Entertainment

Video: 'The Nutcracker,' a beloved holiday tradition

The Nutcracker first premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia at the Mariinsky Theater on Dec. 18, 1892. More than 120 years later, The Nutcracker has become a long-held Christmas tradition in America, enjoyed by families across the country. On Nov. 28-30, the Alaska Dance Theatre partnered with the Eugene Ballet Company to bring Anchorage audiences a bit of holiday magic at the Atwood Concert Hall.

"Nutcracker is a great holiday tradition for most families, it's relatable, there's something in it for everyone." said Erika Sandre, director of the Alaska Dance Theatre. "There's a little bit of wonder, some mystery, some magic, also some little funny moments as well."

For the children and young adults of the Alaska Dance Theatre company, this performance may have been their first time working in a professional theater and -- working with the Eugene Ballet Company -- their first time performing alongside the pros. According to Sandre, "they're sharing a stage with professional dancers, many of whom these young girls and our young boy will likely grow up idolizing. So to be able to work with them side by side is pretty remarkable."

Dancer Hannah Stieren, 10, said that her favorite part of performing in The Nutcracker is working with the dancers from Eugene company.

"I love mostly the experience of it, that we get to perform with the company," she said. "I like performing with the company because it makes me feel like a ballerina. It makes me feel like I'm a part of them."

Watch this video on Vimeo or YouTube, and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more great videos. Contact Tara Young at tara(at)alaskadispatch.com.

Read more: For many young ballet dancers, the annual 'Nutcracker' is a rite of passage

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