The Nutcracker at Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts- Pace University

Marching toy soldiers, waltzing snowflakes, mischievous mice and Tchaikovsky's unforgettable score are quintessential hallmarks of the holidays. Celebrate the season with the Gelsey Kirkland Academy's presentation of The Nutcracker, a holiday ballet for the whole family. Featuring dancers of all ages, this annual classic tells the story of young Marie, who's disappointed in the gift of a wooden nutcracker doll from her godfather at a Christmas Eve party. But that night, she dreams it comes to life and together, they battle the wicked Mouse King and journey through an enchanted forest of snow, where she finally discovers love and light. Co-artistic director of her company with her husband Michael Chernov, Gelsey Kirkland is one of the most famous ballerinas of the 20th century, creating leading roles in major works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins and many others in her time with the New York City Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre. In fact, it was her performance in Mikhail Baryshnikov's 1977 televised production of The Nutcracker that brought her wide public acclaim.