Atlantic City Ballet Welcomes Return of THE NUTCRACKER Tonight

Set to Peter Ilyitch Tschaikovsky's glorious score, Atlantic City Ballet's, The Nutcracker features choreography by Phyllis Papa, AC Ballet's Artistic Director. The production includes the Company's entire roster of 27 professional dancers, who are from around the globe. Also included in the cast are more than 40 children from area dance schools, including those from the ACBT Performing Arts Academy, the official school of Atlantic City Ballet. "The Nutcraker has a lot of children's roles, more than any other ballet. We held auditions in September and auditioned about 100 children. We had a wonderful turn out." added Ms. Papa.

Obviously this year is special as the company returns home to AC to present these performances. To mark the occasion the company will be having a Frozen-Hot Chocolate Pre-performance party on Saturday December 20th from 6pm-7. It will be held in the theater's lounge and include cookies and a special frozen hot chocolate. And you can expect a surprise visit or two from some of the key characters in the ballet.

The Nutcracker is a treasured classic that tells the story of a little girl named Clara who is given a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. Embarking on a wondrous journey through the Kingdom of Snow and the Land of Sweets, Clara encounters many unforgettable and timeless characters. Young and old alike will experience the many magical moments, of this beloved holiday ballet. There's no better way to spend the holidays with family and friends than by sharing Atlantic City Ballet's production of The Nutcracker.

Tickets may be purchased online by going to www.acballet.org or calling the box office at 609-348-0031. THE CLARIDGE HOTEL-CELEBRITY THEATER with The Garden State Philharmoni at Park Place & Boardwalk Atlantic City, NJ DECEMBER 18th-23rd-7:00pm. Ticket prices Adult $40-55 Child $20 (all seats) Group and senior discount available.