Ever ambitious, the Swansea Ballet dancers are preparing to debut their version of the holiday season classic, “The Nutcracker.”

The troupe is preparing two community performances of the production - Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 18 and 19 at the school, 4650 Columbine St.  The show begins at 6:30 p.m. each night.  Tickets are $5.

The ballet troupe will also perform twice for the Swansea student body on Monday, Dec. 16 at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The performances are supported by the Denver Foundation and the parents and community of Swansea Elementary School.

“The show has brought the community together as we have had the cooperation and support of administration, parents, teachers, the outside dance community and students,” said Esther Smith, who directs the dancers.

The cast includes 40 Swansea children from early childhood education (ECE - four-year-olds) through fifth grade. 

Among performers in this production are:

• Sugar Plum Fairy, Yadira Loya (fifth grade)--5th grade
• Spanish Dancers, Elizabeth Nunez (second grade), Elia Rivas (fifth grade) and Noemy Rodriguez (third grade)
• Snow Queen, Noemy Rodriguez (third grade)
• Russians, Manuel Nunez (third grade) and Brian Rivas (sixth grader from Bruce Randolph Middle School)
• Arabians, Ana Silva (second grade), Iris Ortiz (fourth grade) and Yadira Estrada (third grade)

Julia Walsh, founder of the Colorado School Alliance, has served as consultant on the production.

For more information, please call 303-296-8429.