The Shepherdstown School of Dance will take the stage at Shepherd University’s Frank Arts Center in Shepherdstown on Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14, for its eighth full-length annual production of “The Nutcracker” ballet. With three performances scheduled, the curtain will rise at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 14.

The show will feature vibrant dancing to complement the traditional Tchaikovsky score. Select school parents and other community members will join students from the Shepherdstown School of Dance during the party scene, making this annual holiday tradition a family affair. “Party parents” will include Sandi Wilcox and Steve Cifala; Stacey Shaw and Jack Shaw; Sandy Sponaugle and David Hammer; Katie Ross and Homer Speaker; Emily Keefer and Mark Wirt; and Emily Romine. Additionally, Margaret Cogswell will appear as Frau Stahlbaum, Michael Santa Barbara will play Heir Stahlbaum and Joe Yates will play Drosselmeyer.

Professional dancer Jordan Nelson, reprising his role from 2012, will join the cast again this year as the Cavalier to the Sugar Plum Fairy. Nelson has danced with Ballet Chicago, Columbia City Ballet and is currently dancing with the Suzanne Farrell Ballet.

Emily Romine, Artistic Director explains, “The Cavalier is a challenging role. Jordan is a lovely dancer and we are thrilled to welcome him back to our production.”

Tickets are on sale now at www.shepherdstownschoolofdance.com and at Encore Apparel in Motion, located at 108 East Washington Street in Shepherdstown. Tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the door.

For more information, please call 304-886-8398, 304-264-1832 or visit www.shepherdstownschoolofdance.com.