SAN ANGELO, Texas — The fine arts community rushed to get in the final hours of rehearsal for this year's production of "The Nutcracker."
"I myself have a giant blister on my heel. You can take my word for it," dancer London Black said.
Black is playing both Clara and a sugar plum fairy in performances this year.
Black is 17 and has been dancing in the annual production since she played a mouse in the first grade.
"I remember running out and like noticing how many people were out there, and it just kind of hit me that all of those people were watching me," she said.
This year's performances will be at the Elta Joyce Murphey Performance Hall Dec. 17-19.
Show times are:
- Friday, Dec. 17 - 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 18 - 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 18 - 2 p.m.
Ticket prices vary based on seating.
This year's performances will feature a live orchestra. Ballet San Angelo Artistic Director Erin Lane said this was important because what makes "The Nutcracker" so timeless is the music.
"I think everyone has heard at least a part of the Nutcracker music. And it's so special because if it's your first time attending a show, you'll always hear something that you've heard in a different context, like in a grocery store or a movie," Lane said.
RELATED: The truth about mistletoe
This year will also have animation to help tell the story. An art gallery will be in the next room to enhance the experience.
"We've got our Nutcracker Gallery in the mezzanine. So, 30 artists coming together, painting in response to the music of .The Nutcracker'," Lane said.
This year the dancers are grateful not to have to wear masks during performances.
"We're not wearing masks performing this year, which I'm excited about. Because I think it's so much easier to project and show emotion when you're dancing. So, there's that. And I think it'll be a good way to get back into the arts and how everything has been shut down for the past year," Black said.
Those who might be looking for a way to get involved can volunteer to be ushers for performances. Here's how to sign up.
Tickets can be purchased online at the San Angelo Performing Arts Center website.
