New Bedford Ballet Launches Season With ‘A New England Nutcracker’

New Bedford is becoming quite the cultural center.

It's not that the arts are new to New Bedford. The outside world has finally begun to discover the wonder of all that New Bedford has to offer, and the people who live here have embraced their role as the purveyors of that cultural experience.

Part of the growing cultural phenomenon in New Bedford is the New Bedford Ballet, which is about to launch its 2024-2025 season with a unique take on the holiday classic The Nutcracker entitled A New England Nutcracker.

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The Ballet's website invites you to "Journey back to the 1850s, as this favorite holiday story is re-imagined through New Bedford's historic whaling era, and prepare for the 'City That Lit the World' to light up your holiday season."

The Ballet promises, "This simple version with narration is engaging for children of all ages, and the hour-long performance is perfect for anyone juggling the many events that fill the holiday season."

The performance is set to the familiar Tchaikovsky score.

The New Bedford Ballet was founded by Shirley Kayne in 1986 and has "grown in size and reputation." The school became a 501(c)3 non-profit in 2009, "offering scholarships and expanding its commitment to community outreach and performance."

The New Bedford Ballet has collaborated with The New Bedford Symphony, the New Bedford Whaling Museum, AHA, DATMA, the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and others.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Rebecca Waskiel-Marchesseault, the school offers the "highest level of structured dance training in ballet for ages three through adult."

A New England Nutcracker will be performed at Keith Middle School on December 14, 2024. For more information visit the New Bedford Ballet website.