Ballet Northwest Presents "The Nutcracker"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 1, 2023

Ballet Northwest presents the 40th annual production of The Nutcracker Performances at the Washington Center December 8-10 and December 15-17 Fridays at 7:30 pm | Saturdays at 2 pm and 7:30 pm | Sundays at 2 pm

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Ballet Northwest’s The Nutcracker, Olympia’s holiday favorite for 40 years, is returning to the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in December with breathtaking sets brilliantly created by local artist, Jill Carter. The Sugar Plum Fairy's Cavalier will be danced by professional guest artist and Pacific Northwest Ballet Principal Dancer James Kirby Rogers.

Ballet Northwest company dancers Sela Bell and Audrey Nannini will be alternating in the lead role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Both recently attended Ballet Austin's nationally renowned summer program in Texas. They are seniors at Olympia High School and are enrolled at South Puget Sound Community College as Running Start students.

“Audiences from all over South Puget Sound have come to love our Nutcracker production in the beautiful Washington Center,” said Ken Johnson, co-artistic director at Ballet Northwest, the oldest dance company in the State of Washington. “We’re especially excited this year to see the hard work of our talented local dancers showcased alongside our amazing guest artist James Kirby Rogers, one of the top male dancers in the United States.”

Josie Johnson, co-artistic director for Ballet Northwest said, “We know that attending The Nutcracker at The Washington Center is a holiday tradition for many families in the South Sound, and we try and keep the choreography fresh and exciting. The stunning sets, costumes and recently renovated Washington Center create a memorable holiday experience for all ages.”

Approximately 200 people make up the cast, which features local dancers as young as 8 years old plus Ballet Northwest company dancers. Ballet Northwest’s dance company is comprised of 60 dancers age 12 and older, drawn from Thurston, Pierce, Lewis, Mason counties.

“Ballet Northwest’s mission is to promote the art of dance and this classic ballet introduces thousands to the art form. We believe our performances are on par with staged productions in Seattle and Portland yet at half the price. We are thrilled to bring The Nutcracker to the region and once again delight audiences with the quality of the dancing, the guest artist, the set and the entire experience,” said Noel Ostrander, Ballet Northwest’s board president.

The Nutcracker is presented by Capital Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric and Timberland Bank. Additional support is provided by the Nisqually Indian Tribe, Andrew J. Kapust DDS, Washington State Arts Commission, Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, Oly Fed, and Olympic Dermatology. Media sponsors include 95.3 Olympia's KGY & 96.9 KAYO-Country.

Since 1970, Ballet Northwest has been a community-based group dedicated to promoting, teaching, and preserving the art of dance in Southwestern Washington. The company offers educational opportunities for local dancers as well as outreach throughout the community.