Ballet Arizona’s ‘The Nutcracker’ considered among best in nation

PHOENIX — One of the best versions of The Nutcracker is performed right here in the Valley.

A dance critic with the New York Times recently named Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker one of the three finest in the country. The other two named are performed by Richmond Ballet in Virginia and Ballet West in Utah.

Hannah Cooper, the marketing manager for Ballet Arizona, said what makes their version of The Nutcracker one of the best is the more than 150 professional dancers, the hundreds of costumes and the $1.8 million production that includes cinematic video projections and a glittering snow storm.

“It has all of the classic elements,” Cooper said about Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker. “It has the mice. It has the mouse king. It has the sugar plum fairy. The snow scene with snow falling down.

“It is just a magical experience.”

Ballet Arizona dancers are performing The Nutcracker at the Phoenix Symphony Hall for the next two weekends and are joined by live music by the Phoenix Symphony.

Tickets for the performances are still available.

Cooper said going to see The Nutcracker is a perfect way to get into the “holiday spirit.” She also described it as an “experience that you’ll never forget.”

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