Nittany Ballet tasks ‘The Nutcracker’ with introducing ‘beloved holiday tradition’ to a new audience

By Alex Fischer

“The Nutcracker” is a classic holiday tradition, one performed by ballet companies all over the world and centering on a little girl’s journey through a holiday-inspired dream. For many, the 1890s-era classical stage work symbolizes a festive spirit. For others, it can be a great introduction into the world of classical ballet.

Every December for the past two decades, the Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania Nittany Ballet has performed its production of “The Nutcracker” in Eisenhower Auditorium, an event that has become a beloved holiday tradition in Centre County.

This year, the Nittany Ballet will perform “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, in Eisenhower Auditorium.

Nittany Ballet is one of two divisions in the PASCP, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality ballet and orchestral education in central Pennsylvania, enabling a “joyful pursuit of excellence” for all students.

Paul Gibson, Nittany Ballet’s new artistic director and former principal dancer with the Pacific Northwest Ballet, brings a re-envisioned telling and fresh perspective to this year’s production.

“I’m sort of like a chef,” the Altoona native said. “I have this amazing recipe already, and I’m just doing little dashes and sprinkles and stirring it up. I’ve had the privilege of working with two amazing [ballet] companies, major choreographers, amazing lighting designers, set designers, costume designers, and I’m just taking aspects of all that experience and putting it together.”

Without revealing the best surprises, Gibson hinted that in this production, audiences will see Drosselmeyer’s magic have more influence on the story in the first act. And new lighting design by William Kenyon, associate professor of lighting design at Penn State, and new scenery for the Land of Snow and the Nutcracker’s Kingdom will transport audiences into a more immersive experience.

‘Something so magical’

Not only is “The Nutcracker” a beloved holiday tradition for those that come to watch, the students of Nittany Ballet find meaning in the tradition, too.

“Like a lot of people, ‘Nutcracker’ was my first introduction to ballet,” said Luisa Becker, who will dance the Marzipan Lead. “It’s a tradition every year that you can come back to and see your growth through it.”

“It provides a sense of community,” said Sienna Sullivan, who will dance the Peppermint Lead. “It brings our studio together... And it also brings in friends and family that get excited to see what we really do.”

Gibson agreed that the production helps to bond the dancers, “because it’s one of the most challenging ballets we have the privilege to perform,” he said.

In addition to the Nittany Ballet dancers, this year’s event will feature guest performances by Pacific Northwest Ballet artists Clara Ruf Maldonado as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Mark Cuddihee as her Cavalier, as well as Penn State student-artists Alex Iozzio as the Mouse King and Zach Doran as the Nutcracker.

“There’s something so magical about ‘The Nutcracker’ in December,” said Maggie Yang, who will dance the Columbine Doll, the Snow Queen and other roles. “The story, dancing, costumes and music all blend to create something beautiful, and knowing that each performance can make someone’s holiday season brighter is really exciting.”

“Ballet isn’t for everybody, but just give it a try,” Gibson said. “Come for one show, you may be surprised. And, you know, hopefully we’ll see you next year as well.”

Visit “The Nutcracker” online for more information and to purchase tickets.

Alex Fischer is a communications intern for the Center for the Performing Arts.