Pine Island Dance presents its 20th anniversary rendition of “The Nutcracker” in the auditorium at Ida S. Baker High School on Dec. 14.
Based on the book “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice,” the show is a ballet presented in three acts and concludes with the highly recognizable “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies.”
The story follows a German girl named Clara who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince in a land of toys and sweets. But, she finds that the prince is in the middle of a conflict with the seven-headed Mouse King.
On Dec. 14 at 3 p.m., a cast of 40 dancers from Pine Island Dance will present the show to local Pine Island and Cape Coral audiences.
According to Sheli Thompson-Gauthier, director of Pine Island Dance, a number of graduates from the studio will perform in the show including Emily Thompson, Breeza Zeller and Chris Thomas.
Also, Alysa Memoli and Evan Berlanti, both winners of the Cecchetti Council of America Ballet Scholarship, will portray the Sugar Plum Fairy and Prince.
Thirty-three other local performers will portray dolls, flowers, clowns and party guests.
Thompson-Gauthier said she could not believe the show is now in its 20th year.
“It is hard for me to believe that this is the 20th year for the studio,” she said. “It is a special thing to teach the son or daughter of a dancer you taught when they were growing up themselves.”
The cast is hoping that the community will show its support for Pine Island Dance and “The Nutcracker.”
“Please show your support for these talented and hard working community kids,” said Thompson-Gauthier.
Tickets can be purchased at the studio or at the front door the night of the show. It costs $10 for adults and $5 for students.
For more information, visit: www.pineislanddancestar.com. For tickets, call 283-4600.