Guest Artists from Grand Rapids Ballet join the cast for full-length “Nutcracker” production
It isn’t Better Maid or Faygo, but a hand-crafted, Michigan made “Nutcracker.” The Michigan Classic Ballet Company’s traditional holiday classic production has taken a new twist with local guest artists. What better way to put some spice into this holiday treat than with guest artists from the Grand Rapid Ballet?
A cast of more than 40 local dancers, ranging from ages 6 to 60 is poised and ready to perform one of the most classic holiday ballets. To complete this Michigan ensemble, four professional dancers from the Grand Rapids Ballet will join them. Artistic Director, Mary Geiger notes, “It’s wonderful to be able to stay true to Michigan. I’m especially excited that two of the dancers are returning.” Dancer Chelsea Clow is a Michigan Classic Ballet Company (MCBC) alumnus. Her first performance was with the Michigan Classic Ballet Company in The Nutcracker as a mouse. Now that she has developed into a highly trained professional, she will be performing the Arabian divertissement.
Stephen Sanford danced with MCBC three years ago. He was astounded by the professional level of the production and has since returned to guest teach and now to reprise his role as the Cavalier. “I was pleased to return to such a high caliber performance,” commented Stephen on his upcoming appearance. Joining Stephen and Chelsea are Grand Rapids Ballet dancers Sadie Brown and Dave Naquin.
Three performances of “The Nutcracker” are being held at Mercy High School Auditorium in Farmington Hills, December 3rd and 4th. Tickets are $22 for adults, $17 for children and seniors. Tickets for The Nutcracker are still available and can be purchased by calling 248.334.6964 or at www.michiganclassicballet.org.
Founded in 1989, the Michigan Classic Ballet Company (MCBC) offers a performance outlet for young aspiring dancers while providing superior ballet such as The Nutcracker, Coppélia, Cinderella and Swan Lake. MCBC is a member of the Midstates Regional Ballet Association/Regional Dance America (MSRBA/RDA), a group from over 100 companies across America that provides master classes, performances, scholarships and seminars each year. Mary Celeste Geiger, the Artistic Director of the Michigan Classic Ballet Company, is a former principal dancer with the Royal Ballet of Flanders and other European companies. She has served as the president of both RDA and MSRBA (www.regional-dance-america.org). The Geiger Classic Ballet Academy is the affiliate school of the Michigan Classic Ballet Company.
