Berks Ballet Theater (BBT) will bring the magic of the holiday season to life with its annual production of “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 21 at 1 and 6 p.m. and Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. at Kutztown University’s Schaeffer Auditorium.

This year’s production incorporates fresh elements under the direction of the company’s new artistic director, Nathan Bland. Bland formerly served as BBT’s ballet master for 12 years, recently taking the helm to breathe new life into the beloved holiday classic.

“This year, we’ve introduced an exciting new character, Hans, Drosselmyer’s Nephew, who adds depth to the overall story,” Bland said. “The relationship between Hans and Clara will unfold in a beautiful new pas de deux.”

This character addition promises to bring a new dimension to the company’s 49th season, along with intricate choreography danced by Hans (Ethan Schweitzer-Gaslin, a New York City-based freelance dance artist) and Clara (Collette Jordan, an Exeter Junior High eighth-grader).

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