32nd annual ‘Nutcracker’ performance returns to Western Nevada

Gardnerville native and Dance Workshop owner Erica Chipp-Adams will return to her signature role as the Sugar Plum Fairy in the “Nutcracker Ballet” Nov 26-28 at the Carson City Community Center.

Chipp-Adams and husband Oliver, who will perform as the Cavalier, are the new artistic directors of the Nevada Dance Company, formerly known as the Pinkerton Ballet.

“This particular Nutcracker unveiled my love for ballet when I was a little girl and was the reason I followed my dream of having a professional career in classical ballet,” Chipp-Adams said.

The couple said that they are looking forward to taking the nearly third of a century legacy the “Nutcracker Ballet” performance has in Western Nevada and bringing their professional experience to the production.

While a handful of professionals appear in the annual performance, it also features 50 young dancers from across the region, including Douglas County, Carson City, Reno and Lake Tahoe.

Additional professionals gracing the stage are Laura Lunde of Oceania Ballet and Elliot Adams of Varna State Ballet Company in Bulgaria who will perform as the Snow Queen and King.

Kelsey Gerber will be featured as the Chinese Soloist and Gretchen Lewall will perform as the Arabian soloist. The Russian dance will feature Armen Haggopian and Company.

Carson City resident Gail Ruff, who was with the show when it first opened in 1989 will appear for the 32^nd time as the grandmother of Clara and Fritz.

Nevada Dance Company is a nonprofit 501c3 organization that promotes the art of dance by providing opportunities for the community’s youth to participate in performances alongside professional dancers nationally and internationally.

Performances are 7 p.m. Nov. 26-27 and 2 p.m. Nov. 28.

Ticket costs for The Nutcracker Ballet performances start at $27 for General Admission and $23 for seniors and students. To purchase tickets visit www.nevadadancecompany.com.