Following a virtual performance of The Nutcracker in 2020, the Berks Ballet Theatre (BBT) holiday classic is making a live and in-person return to the stage. With the accompaniment of the Reading Pops Orchestra, audiences have three chances to see the show on December 18 (at 1 and 6pm) and December 19 (at 2pm).

BBT’s Artistic Director, Kelly Barber, and Ballet Master and Resident Choreographer, Nathan Bland, have co-choreographed the ballet with 21 company dancers and students from Berks Ballet Theatre Conservatory of Dance. This season, tenured company dancer, Ellie Folga, will dance the role of the regal Sugar Plum Fairy.

Traditionally, this role is performed by a professional guest dancer, however, Folga is a beautiful dancer who has shown she’s both technically and artistically ready to meet the demands of the role. Of her upcoming performances, she said, “I’m thankful to have the opportunity to perform Sugar Plum this year! I have greatly enjoyed getting to work with a partner and I believe the challenging aspects of the variation, pas de deux, and coda are developing me into an even stronger performer.” Folga will be joined by New York City-based dancer Jace Coronado as Cavalier.

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