Young Dancers Ready to Perform 'The Nutcracker'

For the eighth year, the New Jersey Youth Ballet will perform The Nutcracker at theaters in Central New Jersey.

Performed by about 35 dancers aged 5 through 20, The Nutcracker is a traditional Christmas ballet in which dolls and sweets come to life, mice and toy soldiers do battle and snowflakes dance. The version performed by New Jersey Youth Ballet is narrated and runs just over an hour, making it perfect family entertainment.

A total of 10 performances will be conducted. The program is available at the Bridgewater Senior Center at 1 p.m. Dec. 7. Tickets are $10. It then will be performed at the Hillsborough High School at 4 p.m. on Dec. 8. Tickets there are $15. On Dec. 14, the ballet will be performed at the Brook Theater at 1 p.m.  Tickets cost $15.  

Five additional performances will take place at the Kelsey Theater at Mercer County Community College Dec. 20 through 22. Complete performance information is available on the Dance Connection website or by calling (908) 874-8800.

The New Jersey Youth Ballet traces its roots back 20 years. A company of students taught by professionals, the New Jersey Youth Ballet resides and practices at The Dance Connection in Hillsborough. More information is available at (908) 874-8800.

The Dance Connection has classes for dancers of all ages and abilities. Classes are available in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, theater and lyrical. There are combination classes and classes for boys and young men. The studio is an official Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy and is home to the New Jersey Youth Ballet.

Classes are taught in the Dance Connection’s 2,400-square-foot space with two studios and professional-grade dance floors and sound equipment. Located in Hillsborough, the Dance Connection serves Somerset County. More information is available at www.danceconnectionnj.com or by calling (908) 874-8800.