Nashville Ballet's NASHVILLE'S NUTCRACKER Returns Tonight

Nashville Ballet returns this year - for the eighth consecutive year - with one of Music City's most beloved holiday traditions: Paul Vasterling's Nashville's Nutcracker, running tonight, December 5-23 at TPAC's Andrew Jackson Hall. Due to popular demand, this year's production will feature a record-setting number of performances, giving audiences a grand total of 13 performances from which to choose.

Beginning at the 1897 Centennial Exposition in Nashville, the tale weaves together the city's historic landmarks and characters with the world's most popular ballet to deliver a unique Nashville holiday tradition. Nashville Ballet artistic director and CEO Paul Vasterling's original concept and choreography incorporates local landmarks like the Parthenon, Shelby Bottoms and Belle Meade Mansion as Clara journeys into her holiday dream, complete with all of the magical characters you know and love.

"I gave this production a Nashville twist because this city is such a fantastic hub of creativity, and I wanted this version of the Nutcracker to reflect and infuse that creativity," Vasterling explains. "Not only does the story pay homage to Nashville's rich history, but the entire production is locally produced, including the dancers, music, costumes and scenery."

Along with 57 members of the professional dance company and second company, Nashville's Nutcracker will also include a youth cast of 191 young dancers from School of Nashville Ballet and the community at large performing with the Nashville Symphony - the largest youth cast in the company's history.

"It's really special to see these young dancers watch an iconic character like the Sugar Plum Fairy dance for the first time because I know the inspiration that they are feeling," Vasterling says. "Seeing the production through their eyes is a fantastic reminder of the magic of the season and how it sparks a lifetime of imagination and creativity."

Tickets for Nashville's Nutcracker start at $28 and can be purchased in person at the TPAC box office downtown or by phone at (615) 782-4040.

About Nashville Ballet: Nashville Ballet is the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee. Nashville Ballet presents a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works by noted choreographers, including original works by artistic director and CEO Paul Vasterling. Nashville Ballet and the second company, NB2 (a pre-professional training company), provide more than 75,000 arts experiences to adults and children annually through season performances and its Outreach & Education programming. Curriculum-based outreach programs bring dance education to community centers, colleges, public libraries and public elementary, middle and high schools across the state. School of Nashville Ballet brings world-class dance instruction to students age 2 to 70.

Nashville Ballet receives public funding from Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional private support provided by Ingram Charitable Trust, The Shubert Foundation, Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund, Caterpillar Financial, The HCA Foundation, The Memorial Foundation, Publix Super Market Charities, Dollar General, Nashville Predators Foundation, SunTrust Bank and hundreds of generous individuals who contribute to the Annual Fund.

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