On Dec. 3 and 4 the Plymouth Canton Ballet Company (PCBC) performed the famous Christmas ballet, “The Nutcracker.” It was hosted at Salem High School and open to the public. The show is performed every year at the holiday season, and has become a tradition for the audience and cast members.

“The Nutcracker” is about a young girl named Clara who is given the gift of a nutcracker on Christmas Eve. Later that night, the nutcracker turns into a prince to protect Clara against a king mouse and his horde. The battle is won by Clara and the prince. After, the prince takes Clara through the land of snow towards the Magic Kingdom. Once there, they are celebrated, and the Sugar Plum Fairy and her court perform for Clara.

The Nutcracker was originally performed in 1892, and the version performed by the PCBC has connected original and new choreography. The new choreography has been filled out by choreographers Dawn Green, June Smith and Hilari Van Bynen. The PCBC’s “The Nutcracker” has been a tradition every year since 1984.

Students from all over the district performed as well as students in the metropolitan area of Detroit. Dancers came from Grosse Ile Academy of Dance, Joanne’s Dance Extension, P&P Dance Center, Dancin’ Feet, Center Stage, Miss Harriet’s, Michigan Dance Alliance, Debbie Felton’s Academy, Ballet Detroit and Academy of Dance. Plymouth-Canton Educational Park Alumni, Mike and Molly Morton performed as well.

Canton Junior Ava Lovsin said, “I thought it went really well. Every year I do it I get to have new experiences with new people and make new friends.”

The artist director, June Smith, had been one of the original members of the Plymouth-Canton Ballet Company and has performed many roles herself in various ballets. She also is in the National Register and is a member of the Executive Board of the Cecchetti Council of America.