The Cape Cod Dance Center is proud to present for the 12th year the holiday classic “The Nutcracker.” The production has been a part of Falmouth’s holiday tradition for over a decade, transforming the space at the Lawrence School Auditorium to facilitate the full size ballet. This year’s performances will be held on December 8th & 9th.

The ballet production is directed and choreographed by Eveline Carle with a cast of over 100 members, including professional ballet dancers, local actors, dance students and parents.

“The Nutcracker” is an elaborate ballet that was first brought to life in 1892. Since its inception, audiences from around the world have seen hundreds of versions performed by thousands of dance troupes and companies. “The Nutcracker” introduces dances from many countries and uses over 300 hundred costumes to transport children of all ages into a Victorian Christmas fantasy.

Dancing as the Sugarplum Fairy again this year is Elizabeth Stackhouse. Ms. Stackhouse grew up in Falmouth with her parents Tom and Barbara Stackhouse. She began her dance training at the Cape Cod Dance Center a year after its inception in 1990. She graduated from the school in 1997 after which she pursued her training with the Boston Ballet, Louisville Ballet, and several schools throughout New York City. She earned a B.F.A. in Dance Performance at The Boston Conservatory and has performed a wide variety of classical and modern roles throughout Massachusetts and New York. Ms. Stackhouse is currently employed at Spindle City Ballet of Fall River, MA. She is also on the faculty at the Dance Academy and the New England Dance Academy in Attleboro, MA.

Ms. Stackhouse is not the only member of the Stackhouse family performing; Mr. Stackhouse will be playing the role of Drosselmeyer, Clara’s eccentric uncle. This is one of the many families who have made the performance part of their holidays. Other families such as Amy and Paul Sellers of West Falmouth, Patrick and Catherine Dalton also of West Falmouth, Kelly and David Kooharian of Mashpee, and others, have also gathered on stage with their children for the performance.

"It far exceeded my expectations. It was really well done. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it." Wendy Ghelfi, East Falmouth

"It was every bit as good as Boston, there really is no reason to leave town. The costumes were magnificent." Nancy Quiqq, North Falmouth

Performances will be held at the Lawrence School Auditorium, located on Lakeview Avenue in Falmouth, on Saturday December 8th 6pm and Sunday December 9th 2pm. All Tickets are $20.

Tickets can be purchased over the phone with a credit card at 508-564-6165, or in person at Eight Cousins Bookstore on Main Street, Falmouth. Group ticket sales are available; please call the school directly for more details.