Ballet Louisiane and Hysell Ballet Arts presents The Nutcracker

Ballet Louisiane and Hysell Ballet Arts will be coming together again this holiday season to bring performers, both young and old, back to the stage for two performances 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 is partnering with Hysell Ballet Arts to continue its tradition of recruiting some of the best-known local award-winning theatrical talents to star in the production.

Ballet Louisiane and Ballet Hysell are proud to have local artists include Edward Spots as Cavalier, Sara Radka as The Sugar Plum Fairy, Ella Savoy and Javier Banks as Clara and Fritz, Donovan Davis and Shayna Skal as the Snow Queen and King, Lara Grice as spicey Mother Ginger, Scott Sauber as The Nutcracker, and Director/Designer/Actor Edward R. Cox brings Uncle Drosselmeyer magically to life.

This performance will feature choreography by ToniAnn Laborde, Cheryl O'Sullivan, Shannon Rodriguez, Joan Casey, Jennifer Hazelwood and Ann Yoder.

Ballet Louisiane is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Lelia Haller, New Orleans’ first ballet mistress, by instructing students in her personal and unique technique as well as staging her original choreography. As a teacher, choreographer and director for many cultural organizations and events, including the Opera, the Symphony, Le Petit Theatre,mSpring Fiesta, and her own Crescent City Ballet, Lelia Haller’s name was synonymous with Dance in New Orleans from 1929 to her death in 1986. Many of her students distinguished themselves in national spotlights, including Harvey Hysell. As such, Ballet Louisiane's contribution to the growth and historical preservation of New Orleans' culture is essential to our beloved city as well as the surrounding parishes. 

Hysell Ballet Arts has helped dance take its rightful place within the arts community of New Orleans for over 45 years. Founded by famed performer, costumiere, and set designer Harvey Hysell, Hysell Ballet Arts' repertoire includes many classical ballets including Coppelia, Giselle, and The Nutcracker, each choreographed by Mr. Hysell. Hysell Ballet Arts has educated many local, national, and international artists in their pursuit of tthe arts. The mission now focuses on providing students of all ages classes, workshops, and performance opportunities, as well as maintaining the legacy of Harvey Hysell.