'Peanutcracker' ballet caters to kids

"Peanutcracker - The Story in a Nutshell," is returning to Carson City again for the holiday season, and promoters are hoping to attract more students than ever before for the December performances.

"Our main goal is for as many kids as possible to see the performance this year," said Mindy Breeding, who is helping promote this year's production.

Kicking off the performance on a Thursday, Dec. 1 will be a special storytime reading at the Carson City Library by one of the dancers. Readings will be at 10:15 a.m. and at 10:45 a.m. for preschoolers, and free vouchers will be handed out for the performance.

"We want to make sure the little ones get to see the show, and it's great to be able to partner with the library," Breeding said.

"Peanutcraker - The Story in a Nutshell" is a 45-minute version of the Nutcracker Ballet. It will feature Sierra Nevada Ballet's professional dancers, apprentices and trainees, and students from Western Nevada Performing Arts Center and the In Motion Studio of Dance from Reno.

The Friday, Dec. 2 performances are specifically planned for students, so school teachers are encouraged to plan class field trips around them. They will be at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Tickets are $5 per student, and payments are due in full by Nov. 29. A 5 percent discount is offered for anything booked by Nov. 1. Sponsorships for at-risk children are available.

The short, narrated version of the traditional ballet is especially designed for young children.

It is not necessary to tell the children the story prior to performance since the narrator will tell the story as it is performed. However, if teachers feel inclined to do so, the educational package can be mailed to them.

The participatory educational packet is designed to explain the art of ballet to young children. It is geared toward grades K-4, and teachers might need to adjust slightly for different age groups.

Teachers wanting more information or tickets can contact Crystal Kenison at 775-230-2469 or snbpeanutcracker@gmail.com.

Pre-performance lobby music that Friday will showcase Jarod Sorum's Carson High School music students.

The Dec. 3 performances for the public are at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $11 available at the box office.

Gina Kaskie-Davis, director and performer for the WNPAC, is assisting Rosine Bena from the SNB with the production.

"This is the 10th year for the Peanutcracker, and it keeps growing every year," she said.

"The great thing about the Peanutcracker is that it's short enough for kids, but also for husbands and fathers, who usually don't want to sit through two hours of ballet," said Kaskie-Davis.

Guest performers both days will be Dan Sadler, principal of Carson Middle School, at the 10 a.m. show and Lee Conley, principal of Eagle Valley Middle School, at the 12:30 p.m. performance, Breeding said.

All performances will be in the Bob Boldrick Theater of the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.

For an hour before the Saturday night performance, students from Strings in the Schools will offer a free concert in the lobby.

"We've got some really high-caliber dancing with this ballet, and there are so many great groups involved, we hope everyone will come out to support our arts community and start the holiday season off right," Breeding said.

IF YOU GO:

What: Peanutcracker - The Story in a Nutshell ballet.

When: Students 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Dec. 2; General public 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3.

Where: Bob Boldrick Theater, Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.

Tickets: Dec. 2 students $5; Dec. 3 general public $11.

Details: Mindy Breeding, 883-5168.