Dance Arts Iowa will once again be presenting “The Nutcracker” in Mount Vernon.
The show will dance onto the Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center stage Sunday, Dec. 11, beginning at 2 p.m.
For director Tierney Rowe, performing “The Nutcracker” is just one of those holiday shows she’s been a part of numerous times.
Dancers with Dance Arts Iowa have been working on The Nutcracker ballet since June of this year.
“I think people will be pleasantly surprised with how talented our students are,” Rowe said. “This is a truly iconic Christmas show, and something more people should experience at the holiday season.”
The dance crew also held a fundraiser in July as part of Heritage Days for the performance this winter.
Rowe noted that the cast for this year’s Nutcracker has more than 20 dancers taking the stage, which increased the number of costumes that were needed to present the Christmas favorite show. The show now has more than 50 cast and crew involved.
Dancer Betsy Morf said she has been dancing for more than 12 years.
“I enjoy dancing in the Nutcracker because it is so much fun,” Morf said. “We get to witness how much we grow with each presentation of the show.”
Dancer Mariah Erhesman agreed.
“I really love seeing all of our dancers grow year upon year,” Ehresman said. “It gets to showcase different dancing talents than our traditional end of year clinics.”
Violet Olinger said that the show highlights the progression of dancers each year.
Dancer Fiona Spencer said what she enjoys most about the show is the music that comprises The Nutcracker ballet.
“I love how all these different dances come together for such a fun show,” Spencer said.
Tickets are available at the door Sunday ahead of the performance.
“It’s a fun show, with something for all ages to enjoy,” Spencer said.
“It’s a cool show and a great opportunity to see all of our dancers on stage,” Olinger said.
“It’s a great Christmas show,” Ehresman said.
“Come see a lot of terrific dance performances,” Morf said.
Fiona Spencer, Mariah Ehresman and Betsy Morf lead a dance at the top of act 2 of the show.