Artistic Director Victoria Mazzarelli ensured the young dancers were comfortable and in their places in the windows of the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory before the 200 plus participants of the Light Up Main event arrived. The sight was breathtaking both inside and out as smiles emanated on both sides of the glass of 58 Main Street. With ornate windows festively decorated in Christmas green, the Nutmeg’s window display featured the Nutcracker performers as live action dolls providing holiday cheer to all who passed their way.

The Torrington community was treated to a very special performance as the clowns “escaped from their windows, creating mischief and havoc as only this highly entertaining duo can do!

(c)2014 sheila ivain

Meanwhile all of the Nutcracker characters waved to the crowd who had gathered outside to enjoy this holiday spectacle. There was a Sugar Plum Fairy, an Angel, the Nutcracker himself, there was Clara and her friends from the Christmas party in the prologue of the Ballet. Each of the young dancers delighted their guests with high spirits and good cheer.

The Nutmeg hopes this Light Up Main event stirs the imagination and inspires our community to come out to the Warner Theatre next weekend and see the Nutcracker performances. Imagine a young person (your child, grandchild, nephew or niece) discovering for the first time the magic of this holiday treasure. Imagine your own sense of wonder as you’re inspired by these young performers expertly performing!. This might be one of the events this year that can make this a Christmas season to remember!

After the performance guests were invited into the North Gallery to visit with photographer Katina Hungerford whose work is proudly displayed. Hungerford’s photography  captures the wonder of New England and is found online in her Instagram page “New England Eyes”.  With these events the Nutmeg has helped to celebrate our community.

The Nutcracker will be performed at the Warner Theatre in Torrington on December 6 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. and at the Bushnell’s Belding Theater in Hartford on Dec. 13-14 at 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by calling the Bushnell Theater box office at 860-987-5900 and the Warner Theatre box office at 860-489-7180. For details, visitnutmegballet.org/performances/nutcracker. Special Group Rates available at both venues: request “Nutmeg Family” Group Rate