ATLANTA - It's the most wonderful time of the year! Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker returns to the Fabulous Fox Theatre December 8 thru December 24.

The Sugar Plum Fairy, the Rat King, young Marya, and the Prince all return to the stage in Atlanta's adored holiday classic. Joined once again by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra for ALL performances, Atlanta Ballet invites the young and young-at-heart to return to the magical winter wonderland where childhood fantasies turn into an enchanted, sugar-trimmed reality.

This unique production of the beloved Nutcracker tale takes twenty pounds of snow, eight tons of scenery, lighting, and props, and a thirty-eight feet tall Christmas tree to make the magic come to life. Set in the elaborate Moorish décor of the Fox Theatre, Marya's unbelievable story unfolds on a chilly Christmas Eve and transports her on an epic journey filled where she meets some extraordinary characters.

Atlanta Ballet first brought Nutcracker to the stage in 1959, performing George Balanchine's version of the timeless tale. In that year, Atlanta Ballet was the only company outside of New York City Ballet allowed to perform this signature piece at the time; thanks to Atlanta Ballet's then Associate Artistic Director Robert Barnett, who had danced with Balanchine at New York City Ballet.

"We gave it as a gift," says Barnett, "inviting children from all counties to come in and see the performance. It was a gift from Mr. Balanchine and he never charged us a cent for doing it." From that day forward, Nutcracker has been an annual event in Atlanta.

In 1995, Atlanta Ballet's third artistic director, John McFall, created a brand new Nutcracker for the city of Atlanta. McFall's vision was to create a Nutcracker that was "traditional yet new, familiar yet different, classic yet contemporary and above all, magical."

Now in its 52nd production, Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker continues to be a treasured holiday tradition shared by multiple generations. Each year, Atlanta Ballet invites more than 250 Atlanta area school children to audition and perform alongside 23 professional company members and six company apprentices in this holiday spectacular.

Tickets start as low as $20 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, call the Ticketmaster Arts Hotline at 800-982-2787, visit the Fox Theatre Box Office or go online at www.atlantaballet.com. For groups of ten or more, call Atlanta Ballet Group Sales at 404-873-5811 x207.

Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker is sponsored by Belk, Inc.

2011 Nutcracker Special Events

• December 8: Opening Night
• December 9: Kids in Step Performances
• December 10-11: Official Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Nutcracker Weekend
• December 15: Kids in Step Performances
• Four Seasons Nutcracker Teas:
  • Sunday, December 4 @ 3:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 11 @ 3:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 18 @ 3:00 p.m.
• Ritz-Carlton Buckhead Nutcracker Teas:
  • Saturday, December 17 @ 11am & 2:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 18 @ 11am & 2:30 p.m.
  • Monday, December 19 @ 11am & 2:30 p.m.

About Atlanta Ballet

Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the country and the official Ballet for the state of Georgia. Atlanta Ballet's eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals. Among Atlanta Ballet's proud and unique 81-year history are its three Artistic Directors, Miss Dorothy Alexander, whose vision brought dance to the South; Robert Barnett, who turned Atlanta Ballet into a professional company; and currently, John McFall.

Under McFall's leadership Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to share and educate audiences on the empowering joy of dance. Atlanta Ballet opened the Centre for Dance Education in 1996 and is dedicated to nurturing young dancers while providing an outlet for adults to express their creativity. With diverse class offerings and student population, the Centre serves over 150,000 people in metro Atlanta each year.

In August 2010, Atlanta Ballet raised the curtain on its new state-of-the-art headquarters, the Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre, making it the first and only arts organization in the country with a LEED Gold certified headquarters. The eco-friendly facility is home to the professional company and its nationally respected Centre for Dance Education. For more information on Atlanta Ballet, visit the website, www.atlantaballet.com, or contact by phone at 404-873-5811.

Contact:
Sigele Winbush - 404.862.2081
publicrelations@atlantaballet.com