The Central Indiana Dance Ensemble (CIDE), located in Carmel, will present the annual performance of The Nutcracker Dec. 1 to 3. This will be the 20th year at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville.
Twenty years ago, CIDE started performing at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center due to the large theatre size and proscenium, as well as the close proximity to CIDE’s home base. CIDE was fortunate to form this long-lasting partnership to present the holiday classic as a central Indiana pre-professional ballet company.
“We are thrilled to be celebrating our 20th Anniversary at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center; it is the perfect location for our ever-growing Nutcracker,” CIDE Co-Artistic Director Ashley Jacobs said.
What better way to begin your holiday season? Experience the magic of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker – the classic story of a girl and her beloved nutcracker doll that comes to life. You will be transported on an enchanted journey – from a joyous holiday party at The Stahlbaums’, into an epic midnight battle between mice and toy soldiers, to the Kingdom of Snow, and finally through the Land of Sweets. Along the way you’ll meet iconic characters including Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, Godfather Drosselmeyer, the evil Mouse Queen, the beautiful Snow Queen, Mother Ginger and her Gingersnaps, and of course the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.
Tickets are on sale now for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances. Click here get your tickets.
“Our production is very unique, and we always try to add more surprises – we have a cast of students age 6 to 18 to compromise our total cast of over 135,” Jacobs said. “We also have two amazing male guest artists coming from Dallas, Texas, and Seattle, Wash.”
In addition to the performances, CIDE presents the Sugar Plum Fairy Dessert Party prior to each Nutcracker matinee performance at 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 and 3.
Begin your day with the Sugar Plum Fairy Dessert Party from The Walking Waffle Company. Sit down and have a treat. While enjoying time with your group you will have the chance to make a festive craft. Then you can head over to Story Time Corner where you will be told the story of the Nutcracker to get you ready to watch the show. Finish off your experience by having your picture taken in Clara’s sleigh with Clara, the Nutcracker, and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Your commemorative photo will be available for you to pick up during the show’s intermission. After the show you can complete your experience by getting the autographs and photos of your favorite dancers. Don’t forget your cameras and pens.
Tickets for this experience are available as a ticket add-on prior to the matinee performances. Please order tickets early as this event sells out quickly. Cost is $12.
About the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center
Situated on the campus of Zionsville Community High School, the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center is a 1235 seat performance hall that is home to many national dance competitions, various concerts, as well as the Miss Indiana pageant. STAR Bank Performing Arts Center has also played host to Grammy and Dove Award winning artists and television personalities.
About The Central Indiana Dance Ensemble
Central Indiana Dance Ensemble was founded in 1999 by artistic director, Suzann DeLay. The company is committed to providing cultural and educational enrichment to the central Indiana community. The company provides an environment for aspiring young dancers to learn, practice and perform in a pre-professional atmosphere, in a variety of dance forms. Promoting the arts through ongoing outreach programs provides the members of Central Indiana Dance Ensemble the opportunity to give back to the community. In 2006, Central Indiana Dance Ensemble received Honor Company status in the Regional Dance America association. Learn more at CIDEdance.org.