Ballet Chesapeake Presents 'The Nutcracker' At Towson University

Ballet Chesapeake (formerly Harford Ballet Company) is proud to announce its upcoming performances of “The Nutcracker” at Stephens Hall Theatre at Towson University on Saturday, December 9, at 1 and 6 p.m. and Sunday, December 10, at 1 p.m.

“The Nutcracker” ballet is a classic holiday performance dating back to an original Russian premiere in 1892, with a breathtaking score by world-renowned composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This year’s high caliber performance promises to be bigger and more magical than ever before as Ballet Chesapeake performs at Towson University for the first time, with a set featuring grand-scale backdrops and a real snow machine to provide a true winter wonderland experience.

In exciting news for Maryland ballet fans, the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Cavalier will be played by prestigious New York City Ballet performers.

“We are excited to perform at Towson University (my alma mater!) for the first time,” says Ballet Chesapeake’s artistic director, Barclay Gibbs. “It is truly an honor to bring this holiday tradition to the Baltimore area in partnership with the renowned New York City Ballet.”

The performance is also an opportunity for attendees to give back to the community this holiday season. All children attending are invited to join the dancers on stage for the party scene once the toymaker Drosselmeyer appears. When presents are traditionally given out to the children in the original ballet scene, Ballet Chesapeake asks that children bring unwrapped gifts onto the stage to be donated to the charity Toys for Tots.

There will be a brief meet and greet with the dancers in costume following each performance with an opportunity for autographs and photography.

Tickets go on sale October 15, and can be purchased by visiting www.balletchesapeake.org or calling 410-877-0777. Ticket prices range from $19.00 - $25.00 if purchased in advance and $30.00 at the door. A group rate is also available at $15 per ticket for parties with 10 individuals or more.

Ballet Chesapeake is supported in part by state arts funding through a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council and the Harford County Cultural Arts Board and constantly seeks financial backing for the valuable art of ballet through memberships, grants and personal and corporate donations.

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About Ballet Chesapeake

Ballet Chesapeake is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization overseen by an advisory Board of Directors who work with the artistic director and the company manager to provide administrative support for the Company. The Company’s annual season features two programs of classic favorites and new works, including the holiday tradition, The Nutcracker.

Ballet Chesapeake receives state arts funding through a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, the Harford County Government Office of Economic Development and the Harford County Cultural Arts Board and constantly seeks financial backing for the valuable art of ballet through memberships, grants and personal and corporate donations.

About Dance Conservatory of Maryland

Now under the new ownership of Barclay Gibbs, the Dance Conservatory of Maryland is the premier classical and contemporary dance program in Harford County and the Northern Maryland region. Headquartered at the 40-acre historic Millstad property on Whitaker Mill Road, three miles south of Bel Air, the 5,000-square foot facility houses the conservatory as well as the headquarters for Ballet Chesapeake. A DCM dancer can perform professionally, earn scholarships to major professional schools, colleges and universities, and enrich the artistic and cultural life of the community.