Lelia Haller School of Ballet to Present 11th Star-Studded Tradition of THE NUTCRACKER

Since 1928, the oldest ballet school in New Orleans, thousands of New Orleans' best dancers have enjoyed the unique teaching methods of Lelia Haller. Lelia Haller Ballet Classique will present their company, Ballet Louisiane, in their 11th annual production of the holiday dance classic "The Nutcracker" based on E.T.A. Hoffman's story "The Nutcracker and The Mouse King" with soaring musical score by Tchaikovsky.

Lelia Haller was the first in New Orleans to begin the tradition of annual productions of this holiday classic, and this year continues it's tradition of recruiting some of the best-known local award-winning theatrical talents to star in the production.

Scott Sauber dances the role of The Nutcracker Prince, Lara Grice (*) is spicey Mother Ginger and Director/Designer/Actor Edward R. Cox (*) brings Uncle Drosselmayer magically to life.

Alternating in the role of Clara are Mary Butzman and Emma Mikell W.T. Clark Long as The Mouse King, Cate Tallant as The Sugar Plum Fairy, Trey Mauldwin as The Cavalier and Tanya Kinnett as The Snow Queen.

This production features choreography by Cheryl O'Sullivan, Shannon Rodriguez, Joan Casey, Jennifer Hazelwood and Tanya Kinnett. Direction by Shannon Rodriguez and Joan Casey. Sets and Props by Edward R. Cox (*). Costumes by Cecile Covert and Joan Casey, Lighting by Scott Sauber and Production Photography by Sheik.

Lelia Haller founded her ballet school in 1928 after her years as a pedagogue with the Paris Opera Ballet and began the tradition of the annual productions of "The Nutcracker" in New Orleans in the early 1950's. Many of the best known dancers in New Orleans and the nation studied under Lelia Haller, including internationally renowned choreographer Kirk Peterson, international superstar Royes Fernandez (Considered America's First Premiere Danseur), Harvey Hysell, Ellen Hardeman, Karen Hebert and a host of others on the national and international dance scene. Today, Lelia Haller's grand and great grand children continue to run and work in the business, still using her distinctive and classic educational style.

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IF YOU GO:

Lelia Haller Ballet Classique's, Ballet Louisiane's 11th Annual production of "The Nutcracker"

Friday December 1st at 7:30 pm
Saturday December 2nd at 2:30 pm

At Jesuit High School Auditorium, 4133 Banks Street New Orleans, Louisiana

Tickets on sale at www.lhballet.com or at the door.
Adults $25.00 Children 11 and under $15.00

(*) Actors Equity Association Member

Photo Credit: Sheik

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