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Southern California Ballet performs ‘Nutcracker’ Dec. 15, 16 in Poway

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By Alexa Mauzy-Lewis

The beloved holiday tale, “The Nutcracker” is coming to the Poway Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. performed by The Southern California Ballet.

web ent nutcracker scbThis timeless production tells the story of a young girl, Clara, who is given a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve and with him embarks on a wondrous Christmas adventure.

“This year’s Nutcracker will not disappoint with some new choreography to showcase our dancers’ talents,” said SCB Artistic Director Sylvia Palmer. “It is a holiday treat for the whole family.”

In addition to public performances, the company also performs four outreach shows for disadvantaged children to expose them to the art of ballet.

“The SCB is committed to educate and entertain our local community,” Palmer said.

The SCB Ballet is composed entirely of North County San Diego dancers, many of whom reside locally in Poway, Rancho Bernardo, and 4S Ranch. Among them is rising star and Del Norte High School student Shaina Oppenheimer, who will be dancing the role of Clara.

Oppenheimer was one of eight students selected to represent the United States in the 2011 International Cecchetti Ballet Company in Manchester, England, and has trained at the Black Mountain Dance Centre, the official school of the company, for 11 years.

“The best part about working on the performances is being able to not only tell a story but fully immerse myself in the story,” Oppenheimer said. “I enter a different world and get to experience things that don’t happen in everyday life.”

Tchaikovsky’s classic score and spectacular costumes and sets designed by Catherine Hand are only part of the magic of San Diego’s holiday tradition.

“I think the audience will enjoy the story of the Nutcracker because it combines the joy of the holidays with ballet — something no other ballet does,” Oppenheimer said. “It follows the story of a little girl who is taken on a magical journey, something that draws the attention of many kids. It’s easy for them to relate to Clara as they experience the same excitement of watching the various dances.”

Tickets for “The Nutcracker” can be purchased at the Poway Center for Performing Arts box office, by phone at 858-748-0505, or on the Poway Center for the Performing Arts website, powayarts.org. Prices range from $15 to $28.

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