Lead dancers named for ‘The Nutcracker’

Van Wert independent/NPAC information

Tchaikovsky’s timeless holiday classic, The Nutcracker, comes alive on the stage December 3 at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio for two shows.

Dancing the lead characters for The Nutcracker are Sarah Hairston and Zack Grubbs from the Cincinnati Ballet and Evan Pitts and Lauren Tenney from the Lexington Ballet Company. The ballet is presented by the Ballet Theatre of Toledo, under the direction of Nigel Burgoine.

Sarah Hairston, a native of Charleston, S.C., is a senior soloist with the Cincinnati Ballet. Before joining the Cincinnati Ballet she danced with the Boston Ballet and has also danced at the Kennedy Center with the Suzanne Farrell Ballet.

Zack Grubbs was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He danced with the Boston Ballet for four years before joining the Cincinnati Ballet. He has also performed in several operas, including the Santa Fe Opera, the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and the Cincinnati Opera.

Lauren Tenney is an Ohio native who began her training under the direction of Burgoine in Toledo.  She began her professional career and is still with the Lexington Ballet having danced the lead roles for such ballets as Giselle, Sugar Plum, Firebird and Satanella.

Evan Pitts is from Jacksonville, Fla. He has worked previously with the St. Louis Ballet and is now dancing lead roles with the Lexington Ballet Company.

This classical ballet will thrill audiences of all ages as these outstanding ballet dancers bring the magical holiday classic to life. Two shows will be presented on December 3, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Special features to this year’s Nutcracker presentations will include local dancers as well as the Van Wert Area Boychoir.

Include this ballet in family traditions this holiday! Tickets are available now at the box office or online for $12-$32 for both the 2 and 7:30 p.m. shows. The box office is open noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (closed November 24 and 25 for Thanksgiving) at 10700 Ohio 118 in Van Wert, or by phone at 419.238.NPAC (6722). Tickets can be purchased at anytime online at www.npacvw.org.