Ballet Wichita’s production of the “The Nutcracker Ballet” has been a treasured holiday tradition for generations of Kansans. Join us each December as renowned guest artists dance with company members to the live music of the Ballet Wichita Symphony, conducted by Jay Decker. ABOUT “THE NUTCRACKER BALLET”: At an elaborate Christmas party, two siblings, Clara and Fritz, are given toys, but both are especially fascinated with Clara's gift -- a colorful nutcracker. As Clara drifts off to sleep on Christmas Eve, she wakes up to find that the toys magically have come to life. A battle ensues beneath the Christmas tree between mice and Fritz's toy soldiers, with the gallant Nutcracker leading the charge. When he is about to be killed by the Mouse King, Clara saves his life. As a result, the Nutcracker becomes a handsome prince, and Clara joins him on adventures, journeying to the Land of Snow and the Land of Sweets. The ballet ends with Clara back in her home, waking up to find that it was all a dream. ABOUT BALLET WICHITA: For 35 years, Ballet Wichita has performed to 12,000 people each year through three performances, including the treasured ballet, The Nutcracker. Under the direction of Artistic Director, Jill Landrith, the company has maintained and built on a reputation and tradition of Artistic Quality. Ballet Wichita is the only ballet company in the state chosen by the Kansas Arts Commission for the Kansas Arts on Tour program and with the support of Arts On Tour, performs The Nutcracker and other classical and original ballets in cities across the state. Through the company's innovative and growing educational arts outreach programs, Ballet Wichita has bused over 135,000 elementary-age students to its annual matinee performances of The Nutcracker (often a first time exposure to both dance and live theatre for the students), and conducted dance residencies in public schools throughout Kansas. Recently, Ballet Wichita’s educational and outreach programs have received acknowledgment and support from the Kansas Health Foundation and The National Endowment for the Arts. Ballet Wichita is committed to providing exceptional opportunities for all local and regional dancers, including the chance to observe and learn from professional guest artists in residencies and master classes.