The Finger Lakes Symphony Orchestra and Ithaca Ballet present the beloved Chritsmas ballet classic "THE NUTCRACKER" .

The Ithaca Ballet’s Nutcracker is a holiday classic - a treat for the whole family, and a Finger Lakes tradition. Choreographed by Lavinia Reid, and with live accompaniment by the Finger Lakes Symphony Orchestra,  children of all ages will delight in Clara's victory over the mice and her voyage to the Land of Sweets.
Seventy dancers are in the 2011 Nutcracker, many of whom are part of the Ithaca Ballet Company.  In addition, some are guest dancers from the Ithaca community and beyond, and a large number are guest children who train with the Ballet Center of Ithaca.   This year, the role of Clara is being played by Ithaca Ballet Apprentice, Kyiah Steel, while Ithaca Ballet Soloist, Katarina Dvorak dances the role of Dewdrop in the Waltz of the Flowers. Ithaca Ballet Principal Teresa Lynn dances the Snow Queen, and returning alumnus Lindsey Staley portrays the Sugar Plum Fairy, partnered by Ricardo Torres, a freelance dancer from NYC who has performed with American Ballet Theatre, Houston Ballet and Washington Ballet. The role of the Nutcracker is danced by Ithaca Ballet dancer James Potter. Finally, veteran character actors Allen MacNeill and Tom McHugh reprise their roles: the magical Herr Drosselmeyer and the comical Mouse King, respectively.  Overseeing the entire production is Cindy Reid, the Artistic Director of the Ithaca Ballet. The Nutcracker is truly a team effort and a community treasure.