Lake Erie Ballet presents The Nutcracker

Contributed photo

Depending on whom you ask, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker can be many things. It's iconic. It's seasonal. It's tradition. And according to Lea Bodine, the Art & Education Director for the Lake Erie Ballet, it's one of the most essential ballets in existence.

 "It's a beauty to behold," Bodine says over the phone. "There are a number of ballets that Tchaikovsky created in his lifetime that are some of the most important ever created, and The Nutcracker is even bigger."

The Lake Erie Ballet will continue its holiday tradition this year with four productions of The Nutcracker at the Warner Theatre this December, including a pair of special events. Those looking to see Tchaikovsky's classic score performed by an orchestra can do so Saturday, Dec. 20 and Sunday, Dec. 21, taking in the beloved ballet choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov.

The Lake Erie Ballet will also offer a pair of special performances Friday, Dec. 19. An abbreviated children's show, along with a discussion of ballet, will be held at 10 a.m., perfect for a younger audience ready to learn about The Nutcracker. After that, the Lake Erie Ballet will host an autism-friendly show at 12:30 p.m., teaming up with Mercyhurst Institute of Applied Behavioral Studies to provide an inclusive experience. Registration is required for each of the Friday performances.

Tchaikovsky's tradition continues at the Warner Theatre this December, giving you four chances to put your own label on the beloved ballet. 

10 a.m. (children's performance) and 12:30 p.m. (autism-friendly performance) Friday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 // 811 State St. // erieevents.com