See The Nutcracker Live at Centenary University Presented by New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet.

Professional, student, and alumni dancers take the stage once again to offer this holiday classic to the public.

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ – New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet (NJCYB) returns live to the Sitnik Theater at Centenary University with a performance of The Nutcracker ballet for their 22^nd season. Professional dancers, current NJCYB members, and alumni offer four live performances on December 17 (7pm), December 18 (12pm and 5pm), and December 19 (3pm).

The Nutcracker is the story of a young girl and her Nutcracker Prince who battle the Mouse King and embark on a journey through the Land of Sweets with the Sugar Plum Fairy. This production features original choreography by Alexandra Thorpe and Ashley Cicala Feyrer, both former NJCYB students, and current NJCYB Co-Executive & Artistic Directors.

“We are all beyond thrilled to perform live on-stage once again after cancelling the 2020 performance due to the pandemic,” stated Ms. Thorpe. “Our performers have been working extra hard to offer our audience members a much-needed, exceptional holiday experience!”

The lead role of Clara will be danced by two 11-year-old young ladies, Lila D’Oliveira of Oxford, NJ and Kristina Gallagher of Independence, NJ. Both dancers have trained 12-plus hours per week for several months in preparation of this coveted role.

Alexandra (Lexy) Limeburg, a NJCYB alum, will perform the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Ms. Limeburg performed in NJCYB’s The Nutcracker in a variety of roles 2007 to 2015 and in 2019 she danced as the Snow Queen. Most recently she trained at Miami City Ballet School learning many Balanchine ballets including Raymonda Variations and Serenade and performed Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

This year’s Prince will be performed by Ramon Gaitan. Mr. Gaitan has danced with Richmond Ballet, Ballet Theater of Maryland, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Dayton Ballet, Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre, and more. He has worked with choreographers such as Wayne McGregor, Ron De Jesus, and John Mark Owens at Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival.

Sara Seger, a founding company member of NJCYB, will again dance Arabian with her partner, Sabatino Verlezza. Ms. Seger has toured nationally and internationally with Battery Dance, RIOULT Dance NY, and performed at Lincoln Center Institute, The American Dance Guild, Cool NY Dance Festival, and more. Ms. Seger was also lead actress in the feature film, Nothing Serious: The Movie, directed by John Appleton.

Sabatino Verlezza has performed multiple works by May O’Donnell and is a certified teacher of the O’Donnell technique. Mr. Verlezza joined RIOULT Dance NY in 2012, under the direction of Pascal Rioult, and performed nationally and internationally with the company.

“The holidays just aren’t the same without The Nutcracker,” said Ms. Feyrer. “With over 50 dancers, this magical adventure offers stunning costumes, dazzling dancing, and classic holiday music by Tchaikovsky – it’s a spectacle that’s sure to delight the whole family!”

Centenary University is easily accessible from routes 46, 517, and 57, and parking is free. Ticket prices range from $17.50 to $30.50. Tickets may be purchased at www.centenarystageco.org.  For more information call 908-850-0709.

This announcement follows the success of NJCYB’s 3rd Annual Ballet 5K and Tutu 2K fundraiser on October 10, 2021, in Hackettstown, NJ. Participants of varying ages had the option to run/walk in-person or virtually and were encouraged to wear their tutus. All funds generated by NJCYB are used to back the ballet company’s mission of providing dance as an art form through education and professional performances while fostering individual growth and arts awareness.

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About New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet

Celebrating their 22^nd, the New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet (NJCYB) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing dance as an art form through education and professional performances while fostering individual growth and arts awareness. NJCYB is Warren County’s only non-profit ballet company, offering enriching artistic and cultural experiences to the community by providing young, talented dancers an opportunity to perform classical and contemporary ballets in a pre-professional company. Youth performers audition for each production and are selected based on talent and ability. Performers ages 5 and up are encouraged to attend auditions to participate in their performances. To learn more, purchase tickets, or donate, visit www.njcyb.org .