Ballet Louisiane and Hysell Ballet Arts presents The Nutcracker

Ballet Louisiane and Ballet Hysell 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.

Once again these historic ballet organizations will continue their tradition of recruiting some of the best-known local award-winning theatrical talents to star in this production. Ballet Louisiane and Ballet Hysell are proud to have local artists include Sara Radka as The Sugar Plum Fairy, Donavan Davis as Cavalier, Lily Savoy and Blake Bellanger as Clara and Fritz, Edward Spots and Shayna Skal as the Arabian Prince and Princess and Dew Drop Fairy and Waltz Prince, Komenka Ethnic Dance Ensemble, Lara Grice as spicy Mother Ginger, Scott Sauber as The Nutcracker, and Edward R. Cox bringing Uncle Drosselmeyer magically to life.

The Nutcracker presented by Ballet Louisiane and Ballet Hysell will be at 3pm on Saturday, December 20th and Sunday, December 21st at Jesuit Theater, 310 S. Solomon. Tickets are $35.00 for adults and $25.00 for children under 12 and can be purchased online at www.lhballet.com, www.ballethysell.org or at the door on performance days.

About 

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, Spring 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 the 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.