For many people, the Christmas holiday season would not be complete without a visit to their local theater to watch a performance of “The Nutcracker.” Ballet Spartanburg will once again bring this timeless Christmas tradition to families in the Upstate. Converse College’s Twichell Auditorium will be the venue on Dec. 13 with performances at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and again on Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. Landrum residents are particularly excited about this year’s performance since it will feature Landrum Middle School student, Emily Hodge, as Clara.

Hodge will join the Nutcracker Prince, Sugar Plum Fairy, dancing mice and other fantastical creatures as they bring Tchaikovsky’s beautiful musical piece to life in the Land of Sweets. The role of Clara is a plum role for any ballet dancer, but Emily is especially excited to be a part of this production. “The Nutcracker is a big part of so many families’ Christmas traditions. I am thrilled to be a part of a production that brings such happy memories to people. The Ballet Spartanburg staff, the dancers and everyone involved in the production worked very hard to bring this classic story to the community. I could not ask for a better Christmas gift than to be a part of it.” Emily is the daughter of Donnie and Ann Hodge.

The Barnet Foundation and The Spartanburg Rehabilitation Institute is sponsoring an additional performance on Friday, Dec. 12 at 9:45 a.m. where Ballet Spartanburg will present a sensory-sensitive performance for all students from McCarthy Teszler and the South Carolina School for Deaf and Blind. Approximately 600 students, caretakers and teachers will attend this special event.

-Article submitted by Paula Brooks