Sixth Annual 'Nutcracker' Set for Performances at West Potomac

West Potomac Academy and Alexandria Community Dance are teaming up to present their sixth annual performance of The Nutcracker, the traditional holiday story with a modern twist, Dec. 4-6 at West Potomac High School at 6500 Quander Road.

Four shows will be performed: Thursday, Dec. 4, at 5 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 5, at 6:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 6, at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. West Potomac Academy is one of six high school academies in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

West Potomac Academy’s Dance students will participate in the entire production, both on stage and behind the scenes. Advanced Dance students will have featured performances. The performance will include ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, and hip-hop dance and gymnastics.

More than 100 dancers from the Alexandria area of Fairfax County auditioned for the performance. Students from the following Fairfax County public schools are represented in the production: Belle View, Fort Hunt, Hollin Meadows, Stratford Landing, Washington Mill, and Waynewood Elementary Schools; Sandburg Middle School; and West Potomac High School. Performers range in age from four years old to adult.

Alexandria Community Dance has an active business partnership with West Potomac Academy.

Special ticket prices for specific audiences have been announced for two performances. The 5 p.m. performance on Thursday, Dec. 4, has been designated for senior centers and preschools to attend for $10.

The 6:30 p.m. performance on Saturday, Dec. 6, has been designated as military appreciation; all members of the military and their family members can purchase tickets for $10.

Also, West Potomac students and staff members will be able to purchase tickets for $10 with proper identification.

Groups are welcome to attend. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 for students, $12 for adults, or at the door at $12 for students and $15 for adults. For more information and tickets, visit http://www.alexandrianutcracker.com/. You can also follow West Potomac Academy on Twitter, @Academy_WP .

PHOTO from previous performance, courtesy of Alexandria Nutcracker, via Web site