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Arts & Entertainment

The Nutcracker Ballet Dances into Clawson Saturday

Two performances of the holiday classic will take place this weekend.

The Nutcracker Ballet returns to Clawson this Saturday to light up the stage for the annual holiday spectacular. 

Over 30 dancers from the Rosemarie Floyd School of Dance/TMB Ballet Company in Royal Oak will bring the holiday story to life inside the Clawson High School auditorium.

The Nutcracker Ballet tells the tale of two children, Clara and Fritz, who receive a Nutcracker from their godfather during their annual family holiday party. As the Nutcracker is originally meant for Clara, Fritz breaks it. After their godfather magically repairs the Nutcracker and the guests have gone, strange things begin to happen.

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The Rosemarie Floyd School of Dance has been performing the ballet for over 50 years. But due to popular demand, this is the first time in seven years that two performances will take place.

Both male and female dancers, ages 9-20, have been practicing for over two months for the show, sometimes putting in 6-hour days. There's even a special scene where the dancers' parents join in too.

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“They’re all just so excited… October rolls around and you know it’s Nutcracker time; they never get sick of it,” said Terry Butkovich, artistic director. "They are so enthusiastic, and they improve when they get the chance to be on stage, there’s just such a thrill about it.” 

Many of the dancers come from the Oakland County area, which is why Clawson High School has been picked as a central location to host the performances year after year.

"It's a very nice venue and they know our school and they're just great; we have a really good working relationship," said Butkovich. "People come from all over to see the performance and the school is right by our studio so it works out really nice."

Tickets are going fast for the 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. shows on Dec. 15. The event has sold out many times in past years so make sure you're a part of this holiday performance.

"It tells a magical story that’s very festive and just very warm," said Butkovich. "It's so nice to start off the Christmas season this way."

If you go:

What: The Nutcracker Ballet

When: Dec. 15 - shows at 1:30 and 7 p.m.

Where: Clawson High School

Cost: $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens, $10 for children

To purchase tickets: Visit www.rosemariefloyd.com

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