Appalachian Ballet Company is returning to the Knoxville stage for their 47th performance of the seasonal classic The Nutcracker. The famed tale tells the story of a young girl named Clara and her nutcracker, which comes to life after the family’s Christmas Eve celebration. In this two-act ballet, the Nutcracker leads an army of toy soldiers into a fierce battle with the Mouse King, and Clara is enchanted by the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Land of Sweets. Under the direction of Amy Morton Vaughn, the ballet features live original music by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, extravagant sets and scenery, and exquisite choreography. The Appalachian Ballet is East Tennessee’s premier classical performing company and resides at the Van Metre School of Dance in Maryville. They perform three programs per year; this year’s season features Bluejeans Ballet & the Blues, Peter Pan, and The Nutcracker, which will be at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum on December 1st and 2nd. Tickets are available through TicketMaster and start at $29.
