Russian Ballet Orlando Presents The Nutcracker. A Holiday Classic

October 27th, 2021 (ORLANDO, FL) - Experience the timeless story of the Nutcracker in this grand production, performed by professional and pre-professional dancers of Russian Ballet Orlando. Audiences of all ages will marvel at the magic and wonderment of this stunning holiday presentation. The Russian Ballet Orlando production has become a memorable annual event for families all over Central Florida. Of special note, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will be joining Russian Ballet in a historic collaboration at the Polk Theatre in Lakeland, Florida, Sunday, December 12th at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm only. The Nutcracker is an 1892 two-act ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The libretto is adapted from E. T. A. Hoffmann's story "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King". The music is widely recognized today in popular culture and can be heard throughout the holiday season. “I am thrilled to offer Russian Ballet’s Nutcracker performance each year,” says Katerina Fedotova, Artistic Director. “I am especially excited to be collaborating with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, in a historic presentation at the Polk Theatre. In its 100 year history, the Polk Theatre has never had a full-length ballet accompanied by a live orchestra, and Russian Ballet is thrilled to be the first company to present this special holiday production.” Fedotova goes on to explain, “This production will leave a lasting impression for families to take home and experience throughout the year. I look forward to it becoming a holiday tradition.” Underwritten in part by United Arts of Central Florida and Florida Department of State Division of Arts and Culture, RBO is presenting 6 shows of The Nutcracker. On December 12th, 2021 at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will provide live accompaniment for the ballet. Russian Ballet Orlando Presents The Nutcracker December 4th, 2021, 2:00 & 7:00 pm -

Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center (201 Magnolia Ave, Sanford, FL 32771) Tickets $40 - $55

December 11th, 2021, 6:00 pm -

Polk Theatre (121 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, FL 33801) Tickets $37 - $57 December 12th, 2021, 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm -

Polk Theatre In Collaboration with Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra (121 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, FL 33801) Tickets $57 - $117 December 18th, 2021 (Free Event) -

Lake Eola Amphitheater (195 N Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL 32801) No Charge https://www.russianballetorlando.org/events #### About Russian Ballet Orlando Russian Ballet Orlando’s mission is to enrich, engage and educate students, performers, and audiences in the art of dance. Through the education and training of our diverse group of professional and pre-professional dancers in the history of ballet and the performing arts, we strive to transform them into dancers ready to fill the ranks of leading ballet companies. By engaging and entertaining audiences with our originally choreographed productions around the local community and the state, we foster our community’s love and support of dance, creativity, and the performing arts. About Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Celebrating its 29th Season, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is led by Music Director Eric Jacobsen and is comprised of creative musicians and artists from around the world. The Philharmonic annually presents the 11-concert Classics Series and Pops Series, as well as its Focus Series and Symphony Storytime Series at The Plaza Live, a historic Central Florida venue. The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s vision is to enrich, inspire, and serve the Central Florida community through the transformative power of live music, and it presents more than 170 live concerts and impacts more than 70,000 children, youth, and families annually through its Young People’s Concerts, Symphony Storytime Series, Notes in Your Neighborhood program, and free outdoor community concerts. A resident company of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, the Philharmonic will perform in the new Steinmetz Hall when it opens. The Orlando Philharmonic is a Partner Organization of the National Alliance for Audition Support, an initiative to increase diversity in American Orchestras. Learn more at OrlandoPhil.org.