Bigfork ballerina takes center stage as Clara in 'The Nutcracker'

The Noble Dance Performing Company presents “The Nutcracker” with special guest, Abby Cockrell, a Whitefish native and professional dancer with Northern Ballet in England. Bigfork’s Mia Gannon will also take center stage in the role of Clara.

Gannon, 15, has been dancing since she was in second grade and said she’s excited to be part of the production in the role of Clara.

“It’s a lot of fun — a lot of steps to remember — but it’s really cool to be a part of it,” Gannon said. “I think anybody that comes to our show would enjoy it. I hope they see how much fun we’re having on stage.”

Noble Dance breathes new life into the classic tale of The Nutcracker with a fresh storyline, strong choreography and inspired dancing. Act 1 begins with Clara entertaining her friends at a holiday party. With the arrival of the mysterious Aunt Drosslmeyer comes the entertainment of two life size dolls that dance their way into Clara’s imagination. Once the party is over, Clara dreams of a dramatic battle where toy soldiers spring to life to protect her from the creepy house rats. When the commotion of the Battle Scene subsides, tranquility settles in as dancing snowflakes transport Clara through the Enchanted Snow Forest and on into the sugary Land of the Sweets.

The Noble Dance Performing Company dancers will be joined by approximately 200 students in the Noble School of Ballet and Storybook Ballet School who are also performing over the weekend, along with Noble Dance co-founder, Carol Jakes Sullivan.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday, Dec 6,  2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec 7, and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec 8. Tickets are $20 adults and $10 students. All tickets are reserved seating and go on sale Monday, Nov .18 exclusively at www.nobledance.org.