For the 23rd\u00a0year, North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts will stage the Tchaikovsky\u2019s beloved ballet, \u201cThe Nutcracker,\u201d to kick off the holiday season.<\/p>\n
North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts Principal Andrew Miller said the performance once was held at the school which has a 500-seat theater. Sixteen years ago, the performance was moved to Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, so the community can enjoy the performance.<\/p>\n
Three performances still remain at the school, though, so all the staff and students can enjoy the performance. Miller said two performances will be held in-house on Tuesday, and one on Wednesday, for students.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost of these students may not go to a ballet on their own,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The big stage performance will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Barbara B. Mann.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoing it at Barbara B. Mann is so special. They get to be on the big stage. A lot of families make an evening out of it,\u201d Miller said.<\/p>\n
The Nutcracker will feature almost 300 students ranging from kindergarten through eighth grade. The production also includes adults in the show, including Miller as the toy maker.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe bus kids down there for the big show on Friday. We have U-Haul trucks to load costumes and props down there,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s a special time for the whole school community. It gets everyone in the spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Miller said he is very proud of his teaching staff, as it goes beyond the two dance teachers who do a fantastic job directing and choreographing the show.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a team effort. It\u2019s the whole art department \u2013 teachers and parent volunteers,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The Nutcracker, which has lavish costumes for the dancers tells the story of Clara, a young girl transported into a fantastical dream full of dancing snowflakes, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and an army of toy soldiers.<\/p>\n