Mia Saunders Ballet Presents A Holiday Classic: The Nutcracker

The Mia Saunders School of Ballet (MSB) returns to the CVHS stage to celebrate the twenty-eighth anniversary production of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker on December 10 and 11, 2021 at 4:00 pm in the Centreville High School Auditorium located at 6001 Union Mill Road in Clifton. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the scholarship fund of the Centreville High School Drama Boosters and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

For 30 years, MSB has been a home for young artists to give the gift of dance to the community. The all student and volunteer production of The Nutcracker has become a beloved community event that plays to capacity crowds each year and keeps audiences and dancers alike guessing what’s new with this year’s production and what parts their favorite friend, student or babysitter are playing. Says Artistic Director Hannah Gestwick, “I love watching our dancers grow and mature each year. The bonds the dancers create with their fellow artists and their excitement to be embracing a new and more challenging part each year is inspiring. I am so proud of my student’s effort and enthusiasm and MSB is thrilled to continue our winter tradition of dancing as a gift for others this year with two live performances of The Nutcracker.”

The dancers look forward each year to advancing in their craft, progressing through the various parts as each matures as an artist. Says Katie Wood, a senior at Centreville High School dancing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy "I have danced with Mia Saunders Ballet for almost thirteen years, and getting to fulfill my long standing goal of being the Sugar Plum Fairy means absolutely everything to me. The grace and joy that the role exerts is what I find so beautiful, but it's the memories of watching past Sugar Plum Fairy’s that makes it immensely special for me. All the way from being a mouse, Clara, and even Dahlia, I have always admired the hard-work and artistry that is required of Sugar Plum. Performing in The Nutcracker has always been a true highlight of my holiday season, and it will always hold an important place in my heart.

Gestwick is proud of the dedication of her growing dance community and enjoys her students growing as artists. Says Gestwick, “Katie (Wood) is a very smart, resilient, and hardworking artist, with a drive and dedication that is inspiring to many students (and to me!). I can’t wait to see what she does, where she goes, how she grows in the years ahead.”

Tickets for the Saturday and Sunday, December 10-11, 4:00 pm performances at the CVHS auditorium are $10 for children under 5 and $12 for ages 6 and up and are available for purchase at the door day of show, payable by cash or check only. Tickets are also available online for the Saturday and Sunday at 4:00 pm show. More info at www.miasaundersballet.com.