A Mercer Island Holiday Tradition: 'Excerpts From the Nutcracker' Returns

Already a Mercer Island tradition, forty-eight members of the and students from the Children’s Dance Conservatory will bring the classic holiday ballet to life in “Excerpts from the Nutcracker”, starting Dec. 10 at .

Directed by Susan Valencia, founder and director of the Island Youth Ballet, the performance has become a tradition and a must-see for all who wish to experience the holiday magic of one of the ballet world’s most cherished classics, according to an event press release.

This holiday offering will delight the spirit and fire the imagination of audience members with exquisite costumes, theatrical wizardry, period settings and beautiful dancing. The audience will be transported to a magical place where mice and soldiers battle, snowflakes dance and a Sugar Plum Fairy reigns in the Land of the Sweets.

The performance is set to the music of Tchaikovsky and is two hours long, including intermission, and will run several afternoon performances beginning at 2 p.m. on Dec. 10-11, 17-18, and two evening performances beginning at 7 p.m. on Dec. 16 and 18.

General admission is $22 and VIP platinum tickets are $35. Tickets for the performances are currently on sale and may be purchased in advance at www.IYBNutcracker.com. Advance purchase is recommended and performances often sell out.