Nutcracker returns to Samford University

The beloved ballet “The Nutcracker” will welcome the Christmas season again with the help of the Alabama Ballet.

The Alabama Ballet has performed George Balanchine’s choreography of “The Nutcracker” for 15 years. Balanchine’s version is one of the most famous in the U.S., and other companies that perform it each year include New York City Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Miami City Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle.

“It is a highly stylized, sought after and well-respected version of Nutcracker worldwide. Alabama Ballet is one of only eight companies in the entire world that is licensed to perform this version,” said John Mingle, a member of the ballet troupe.

This year’s performance will be at Samford University’s Wright Center Dec. 9-11 and Dec. 16-18. Performances will be Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

“The Nutcracker” will feature not only professional dancers, but also a community cast of children from the Alabama Ballet School and around the Birmingham area.

“It is an incredible honor and achievement for Alabama Ballet to perform this version, and I believe it says a lot about our company of dancers,” Mingle said.

Tickets range from $30 to $65. For more information on “The Nutcracker,” go to alabamaballet.org. To purchase tickets, call the Samford box office at 726-2853.