News Summary
The Concert Ballet of Virginia will present ‘The Nutcracker Suite’ at the Williamsburg Library Theatre this holiday season, celebrating a cherished local tradition with free admission for everyone. SI Dance will also showcase its annual production of ‘The Nutcracker,’ featuring 70 young dancers and an initiative to provide free tickets to community members in need. This event aims to bring joy and accessibility to the local audience, highlighting the power of performance art during the festive season.
Williamsburg, VA – The Concert Ballet of Virginia will perform “The Nutcracker Suite” at the Williamsburg Library Theatre as part of a cherished holiday tradition. The performance is set to take place on November 23 at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., with free admission for all attendees.
The Concert Ballet of Virginia holds the title of the state’s oldest continually operating ballet company. This production promises to delight audiences with its bright, colorful costumes and enthusiastic performances by dancers from all over Virginia.
In addition to the Concert Ballet’s performance, SI Dance will present its annual production of “The Nutcracker,” which is scheduled for December 6 and 7, continuing the festive spirit of the season. Young performer Molly Condon, a 14-year-old dancer from James City County, will take center stage in the lead role of Clara for SI Dance’s show.
To ensure accessibility for the local community, SI Dance has initiated a program called “A Gift from Clara.” This program offers free tickets to community members experiencing financial hardship. In its inaugural year, the program distributed 12 free tickets. This number grew to 24 in the subsequent year and reached 36 tickets last year. This year, donations have already exceeded 30 tickets, and there is a waiting list with over a dozen requests for free tickets.
Tickets for SI Dance’s production are normally priced at $30 each, and the free ticket giveaway is intended to make the performance accessible for everyone in the community. Residents looking for free tickets can request them on a first-come, first-served basis by emailing [email protected].
SI Dance’s production will feature more than 70 young dancers aged 7 to 18, alongside several professional performers and adult volunteers, showcasing a collaborative effort within the community. The two-hour performance will be held at CrossWalk Church in Norge, starting at 7:00 p.m. on both nights of the show.
The origins of “The Nutcracker” trace back to its premiere in 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Though it initially faced backlash and was considered a failure, the ballet eventually achieved worldwide acclaim, particularly following its American debut in 1944 in San Francisco. The enchanting storyline revolves around Clara’s magical experience on Christmas Eve with a Nutcracker doll that comes to life.
Noelle Schatzel, the artistic director and ballet instructor for SI Dance, has organized the free ticket initiative with a deep understanding of the financial stresses families face around the holidays. She believes in the power of performance art to bring joy and togetherness during this season.
Families interested in attending SI Dance’s production should note that tickets will be available at will call on the night of the performance. The cast of young dancers has been rehearsing diligently every weekend since early September in preparation for this highly anticipated holiday showcase, culminating in Condon’s exciting opportunity to perform the lead role.
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Additional Resources
- Concert Ballet of Virginia: The Nutcracker Suite
- Daily Press: The Gift of Ballet
- Williamsburg Families: Gingerbread Holiday Dinner
- Washingtonian: Small Towns with Festive Holiday Shops
- Daily Press: Fun to Do: A Celtic Christmas
- Wikipedia: The Nutcracker
- Google Search: The Nutcracker
- Encyclopedia Britannica: The Nutcracker
- Google News: The Nutcracker
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
