Video: Tupelo Ballet To Perform ‘The Nutcracker’

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) –  For months, the Tupelo Academy of Dance Arts has been a second home to these dancers. This is the 32nd year the Tupelo Ballet will perform “The Nutcracker” and 140 dancers will take the stage.

“Which is a record breaking cast number for us, this is the largest cast we have had,” said Associate Director Lindsay Fine.

There are first graders through high school seniors in this production, along with several professional dancers. Preparing for the popular two-act classic takes a lot of patience, practice and preparation.

“The hardest part, I’d say everyday, is just not falling on your face. It’s so hard to stay up on these point shoes,l they’re so difficult,” said Mary Payne Dillard, who plays “Dewdrop Fairy” and the “Mouse King.”

About 30 people are working behind the scenes and dancers and instructors say they are looking forward to sharing the Christmas favorite with the public.

“It’s the holidays, it’s about family, it’s about Christmas and bringing everyone together and it’s a great community production,” Fine said.

“It just opens up the Christmas time of year and I know when I was little I would come watch my sister in “The Nutcracker” so it’s just kind of a family tradition,” said Amber Claire Huddleston, who plays the “Snow Queen.”

That tradition continues Saturday during two performances at the high school’s performing arts center.

For showtimes and ticket information, go to www.tupeloballet.com