Dance Alive’s Nutcracker performances begin with free shows in Alachua on November 23

Press release from Dance Alive National Ballet

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Dance Alive’s Nutcracker will bring holiday magic to thousands across the southeastern United States between November 23 and December 22.

Presented by PNC Foundation, Dance Alive’s Nutcracker will be performed 21 times this holiday season. Locally, the Company starts off the season with two free performances at Legacy Park Multicultural Center in Alachua on November 23 before traveling to South Carolina, The Villages, Ocala, and Belle Glade. The company will return to Gainesville for five public performances and two school shows between December 19 and 22.

The five public performances in Gainesville are at 7:30 p.m. on December 19, 20, and 21 and at 2 p.m. on December 21 and 22 at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

Special events include Magic of Nutcracker on December 18 at 5:30 p.m. for special needs children and two Class With Clara opportunities on December 21 and 22 at 4 p.m.

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

Composed by P.I. Tchaikovsky and choreographed by Tuttle, Dance Alive’s adaptation features beautiful set design by Denis Mauldin and costumes by Soili Arvola, Chris Takashima, and Rebecca Flake. In addition to the professional dancers, The Nutcracker showcases local area dance students from Gainesville and surrounding areas.

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.”  

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 at https://performingarts.ufl.edu/events/the-nutcracker-6/