Northeast Kansas' longest-running performances of 'The Nutcracker' kicks off at TPAC

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The story of "The Nutcracker" is a holiday tradition for many families and the same can be said for many living in Topeka.

A local dance company is wrapping up its 2024 season with multiple performances of its longest-running show. Ballet Midwest has been presenting "The Nutcracker" ballet for nearly 50 years.

The production features more than 200 local dancers, some as little as age three. This holiday staple kicked off the weekend on Dec. 13 with a special show for local students and nursing home residents.

"Getting to come in and their faces light up," said Lacee Sandgren, artistic director of Ballet Midwest. "I know its one of the dancers favorites too, is the kids are always so excited and so responsive to all the excitement happening on stage and its just a really fun way to kick off the Nutcracker weekend." 

"It's always so much fun just getting to see the audience full and just being able to perform on stage and share my passion for dance," said Emily Patton, one of the dancers.

There are four more chances to catch Ballet Midwest's production of "The Nutcracker" this weekend at the Topeka Performing Arts Center.

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