3rd Annual Nutcracker Ballet Returns to Seaside Nov 22

The Merchants of Seaside will host the 3rd annual Nutcracker ballet to be performed by Northwest Florida dancers and Alpharetta Dance Theatre. The one-time performance is free and open to the public Saturday, Nov. 22 at 5 p.m. in the Seaside Amphitheater.

The Nutcracker in Seaside is under the direction of Rose Barile, an honor graduate of Juilliard School and former Prima Ballerina of the Atlanta Ballet, who danced Sugar Plum Fairy for decades. Barile recently celebrated her 30th anniversary as Director of Alpharetta Dance Theatre and her company has performed the Nutcracker in North Atlanta for 18 years. “We are excited about creating an opportunity for dance students to develop qualities of strength, discipline and leadership in their school and communities," said Barile.

Featuring Acts I and II, with choreography by Barile, the Nutcracker in Seaside will last approximately an hour. Set to a score by Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky, the performance features 27 Alpharetta Dance Theatre ballerinas and 15 local and regional dancers, ages 8 to 18.

The first Nutcracker in Seaside was performed in 2012 when Seaside co-founder and patron of the Arts Daryl Davis invited Alpharetta Dance Theatre dancers to perform the Nutcracker with the Dance Academy of Seaside Neighborhood School. There was standing room only for that first performance which ignited the holiday spirit in the hearts of those who now view the event as an area tradition. In August, for the first time, auditions were held for Northwest Florida dancers from Pensacola to Panama City who wanted to dance in this year’s performance. Act I has also been added to the performance.

Seleta Hayes Howard, Nutcracker Ballet Mistress, Special Projects Director and former student of Barile, who has been rehearsing the Northwest Florida area dancers for several weeks, said, “We are grateful for the support of Daryl Davis, who is dedicated to bringing the Arts into our community. Participating in the Nutcracker ballet in Seaside provides area dancers with a platform in which to improve their confidence, discipline, and dance skills for both presenting material and working toward a goal. This gives them a great sense of achievement as well as skills they will use in all life situations. It is an honor to share in this magical, cultural experience with our community and region.”
 

In case of inclement weather, the performance will be held on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.seasidefl.com or call (850) 231-6179.