Dance Alive brings holiday magic to thousands with The Nutcracker

Press release from Dance Alive

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Thousands of people across the Southeastern United States will be transported to the Kingdom of Sweets with Dance Alive National Ballet’s adaptation of The Nutcracker.

Presented by PNC Foundation, Dance Alive’s Nutcracker will be performed 15 times this holiday season. The Company starts off the season by touring in the Carolinas and continues with performances in Ocala at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 7-9 at the Reilly Arts Center. Then, Dance Alive presents the show in Alachua on Dec. 16 at the Legacy Park Amphitheatre.

The holiday season culminates with four performances in Gainesville, FL, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Dec. 17 and 18 at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Throughout the season, Dance Alive will also perform four school shows for children in Gainesville, Ocala, and South Carolina.

“Tradition, beauty, grace, and a terrific story. What more can you ask for?” said Executive Artistic Director Kim Tuttle. “It’s sheer magic!”

Composed by P.I. Tchaikovsky and choreographed by Tuttle, Dance Alive’s adaptation features beautiful set design by Bob Moody and costumes by Soili Arvola. In addition to the professional dancers, The Nutcracker showcases local area dance students from the Gainesville and Ocala areas, including those from Next Generation, the student company associated with Pofahl Studios.

The ballet surrounds the story of Clara, a girl who saves the Nutcracker prince. To thank her, he brings her on a magical journey to the Kingdom of Sweets, where the exquisite Sugar Plum Fairy puts on a regal show for her.

“As a Main Street Bank, PNC is proud to support the arts in our local communities knowing how a vibrant arts community enriches lives and builds strong communities,” said Chris Kalin, PNC regional president for North Florida. “In this context, supporting Dance Alive’s performance of The Nutcracker, which is a holiday tradition for many, not only makes sense, but it is also something we couldn’t be prouder to be part of.” 

In addition to the mainstage and school shows, Dance Alive offers several other opportunities for children to experience The Nutcracker.

The Company will present ‘Magic of Nutcracker,’ an exclusive Nutcracker at 5:30 p.m., Dec. 14, at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. This final rehearsal is for children with special needs, who join the dancers onstage and experience the magic up close in a unique and special time.

‘Magic of Nutcracker’ is sponsored in part by Abbfortis Strategies, Bass ABA Therapy, Campus USA Credit Union, Davis Chevrolet, Meldon Law, and Rays of Hope Foundation.

Also, children of all dance abilities are invited to join Clara for ‘Class with Clara,’ a ballet class onstage at 4 p.m., Dec. 17 and 18. Tickets are only needed for class participants (https://performingarts.ufl.edu/events/class-with-clara-3/), but spectators may attend for free. 

Purchase tickets for The Nutcracker in Ocala in person at the Reilly Arts Center box office, by phone (352.351.1606), or online.

Purchase tickets for The Nutcracker in Gainesville in person at the Phillips Center box office, by phone (352.392.2787 or 800.905.2787) or online.