The Nutcracker Ballet Takes Center Stage This Weekend

Performances begin Friday at 7 p.m. at the DECC Symphony Hall

The holiday classic “The Nutcracker” hits the stage this weekend at the DECC Symphony Hall.

All performers in the Minnesota Ballet’s performance are from around the Twin Ports area.

Dancers and musicians practice for months to get ready for this weekend.

Executive Director Robert Gardner says The Nutcracker has been a holiday tradition in Duluth since 1965.

Every ten years the ballet revamps the production, but it always centers around the main storyline.

“The story of a young girl, Clara, who gets this nutcracker who magically in her dreams transforms into a prince and takes her on a journey, only to transport her back home Christmas morning,” says Gardner. “It universally speaks of the joy in the holiday season.”

Performances will take place Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. followed by a matinee performance Sunday at 3 p.m.