International Ballet Classique Presents Performance of The Nutcracker Ballet

International Ballet Classique (IBC), in collaboration with the Academy of International Ballet (AIB), celebrates the holidays with Artistic Director Denis Gronostayskiy’s beloved production, The Nutcracker Ballet, performed in the finest traditions of the Bolshoi. More than 16,000 people in our region have viewed IBC’s full-length production since its premiere in 2004. Surrender to the magic and allow yourself to be swept into the excitement of the holiday season with exquisite dance artistry, vivid sets, and gorgeous costumes designed by AIB’s Ballet Mistress, Anastasia Babayeva, a former soloist with the internationally acclaimed Bolshoi Ballet Company.

For more than 100 years, this fairytale ballet has proven to be a favorite for the whole family!  At the Silverhaus’ Christmas Eve celebration, Clara delights in her beautiful Nutcracker doll, which is presented by the eccentric magician Drosselmeyer. As the household sleeps, Clara quietly sneaks downstairs to admire her Nutcracker; when suddenly, the Christmas tree grows to a dramatic height, and Clara is swept into a fantasy world of toy soldiers, giant rats, magic, and mystery, where her Nutcracker Prince comes to life! Clara’s sudden bravery in the face of evil saves her Prince from the frightening Rat King. After, she journeys to the enchanted Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets, where all the dolls under her Christmas tree have come to life to entertain Clara and her Prince.

Allow your holiday season to begin properly as the Sugar Plum Fairy dances in the arms of her Cavalier!  Experience and enjoy the many special effects, including: a Christmas tree that “grows” to 30 feet, the firing of a cannon onstage, and 40 pounds of  “gently” falling snow as the Snow Queen and her King call their Snowflakes to dance!

IBC will host four full-length performances and two student-abridged performances in the Meagher Theatre, on the tranquil campus of Neumann University. Full performances are Friday, December 12, at 7:30 pm, Saturday, December 13, at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm and Sunday, December 14, at 2:00 pm. Abridged performances for day school groups and area youngsters will be at 10:00 am and 11:30 am on Thursday, December 11.

Regular priced tickets are $20.00 and senior and student tickets are discounted at $16.00. Call IBC for special group rates and tickets for the abridged performances. Student group tickets for the abridged performances are $5.00 and single tickets are $6.00.

The Meagher Theatre is handicapped-accessible and there is ample complimentary parking adjacent to the theatre. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 610-504-8613 or online at www.ibcballet.org.