By Bill Bucher, Jr. for the Salisbury Symphony

Back by overwhelming demand, the Salisbury Symphony and the Piedmont Dance Theatre will collaborate to bring Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet “The Nutcracker” to Keppel Auditorium this December. The much-loved holiday ballet continues to break local box-office records, selling out for at least the last four years. This season’s performances will be held on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m., with a matinee performance on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 2:30 p.m.

Now in its 16th year, with a new cast from Piedmont Dance Theatre’s troupe and in a revised production as conceived by Marius Petipa, “The Nutcracker” is choreographed by American Ballet Theatre alumna and internationally acclaimed dance star Rebecca Wiley and Juilliard-trained Daniel Wiley.

To celebrate the production’s 16th anniversary, “The Nutcracker” will showcase guest dancers Erica Cornejo performing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Carlos Molina as the Cavalier.
Cornejo and Molina are award-winning dancers who have enjoyed illustrious careers with American Ballet Theatre and Boston Ballet. David Greenburg, portraying the title role of the Nutcracker Prince, was recently featured on So You Think You Can Dance Top 40.”

Piedmont Dance Theatre has earned a reputation across the state for its high level of training, with soloists from recent “The Nutcracker” productions now performing with the Boston Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Hubbard Street and Oklahoma. Attending the “The Nutcracker” this December provides a rare opportunity to see some of the nation’s finest dancers on stage before they launch their careers.

Salisbury Symphony Music Director David Hagy leads the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra in the only production of “The Nutcracker” in the entire region that uses a full 49-piece orchestra.

Don’t miss this holiday treat — book early. Seating is reserved, with the online ticket outlet allowing for seat selection. For more information about Piedmont Dance Theatre, as well as to purchase Nutcracker tickets, visit www.PiedmontDanceTheatre.com

For more information about the Salisbury Symphony and their current season, visit www.SalisburySymphony.org