Ballet Northwest presents the 34th annual production of The Nutcracker

Ballet Northwest’s The Nutcracker, Olympia’s holiday favorite for over 30 years, is returning to The Washington Center in December with breathtaking sets brilliantly created by local artist, Jill Carter, and guest artists from New York City who will play the role of Sugar Plum Fairy Cavalier.

Guest artist, Sanford Placide, previously danced with Dance Theatre of Harlem, Ballet West and Alberta Ballet. Guest artist, Darwin Black, previously danced with Sacramento Ballet, New York’s Pascal Rioult Dance Theater and Miami Contemporary Dance Company.

“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. “Last year, we rolled out new sets for the Snow and Land of Sweets scenes designed by Jill Carter and we’re excited to show them to audiences once again.”

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. This year we have a few other surprises in store.”

Two-hundred 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 over 70 dancers age 12 and older, drawn from Thurston, Pierce, Mason, and King counties. Dancers from the company recently studied at the summer programs of prestigious institutions such as American Ballet Theatre, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Oregon Ballet Theatre, among others.

“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 artists, the set and the entire experience,” said Natasha Ashenhurst, Ballet Northwest’s board president.

Ballet Northwest’s Artistic Directors Ken and Josie Johnson choreographed the production and The Nutcracker is sponsored by Andrew Kapust DDS, Kell-Chuck Glass, 94.5 ROXY and The Olympian.