Find Your Holiday Spirit with Erie's Nutcracker Reimagined

Contributed

The Lake Erie Ballet Company, along with dancers from Corella Productions, Marguerite's Academy of Dance, NWPA Collegiate Academy, and Sovereign Ballet bring the tradition of the Nutcracker to the Warner Theatre this holiday season.

BEGINNING SATURDAY, DEC. 13

The Nutcracker Suite has been a holiday tradition for generations. In Erie, the first production was in 1957 by Erie Civic Ballet (ECB) and began a long history of Erieites celebrating the season with a trip to the Warner to see the ballet. And now, the Lake Erie Ballet Company (LEBC) stages the classic ballet with a local twist, bringing dancers together from all over Erie for the show through collaboration with Corella Productions, Marguerite's Academy of Dance, NWPA Collegiate Academy, and Sovereign Ballet.

Christina Maria, LEBC artistic director and director of Sovereign Ballet school, is at the helm for the production and carries an impressive resume and deep love for Erie. Beginning her dance training in Detroit, Maria continued in Dallas, New York City, San Francisco, and Boston before joining Lake Erie Ballet as a professional dancer in 1989. "I wasn't born in Erie, but I truly feel like an Erie native at heart," says Maria. "Erie has shaped my career, my family, and my artistic vision, so in every way that matters, this is home," she adds.

"Our production of Erie's Nutcracker Reimagined keeps the tradition of the classic ballet, but we bring the story to life in a way that's more engaging… with speaking roles, which no other Nutcracker in the world includes," explains Maria. "The spotlight is truly on Erie – the show is filled with memorable local historical elements and our backdrop highlights recognizable Erie landmarks, making the story feel both timeless and connected to our community," she adds.

If the world has you feeling a little grinchy, an Erie-themed version of the world's most famous Christmas ballet, at our own historic Warner Theatre, may be the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. "It's a beautiful blend of classic ballet, immersive storytelling, and hometown pride," explains Maria. 

Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. // Warner Theatre, 811 State St. // $35-$55 // Tickets and info: erieevents.com