COLUMBUS, Ohio — BalletMet's beloved rendition of "The Nutcracker" has returned to the stage of the Ohio Theatre in downtown Columbus.
This year, two central Ohio dancers will take center stage in the beloved production after spending a decade and a half working their way up through the ranks of the BalletMet Academy.
Dancer Vincent Van Harris has been with BalletMet for 14 years, starting in the academy and now as part of the company itself.
"'The Nutcracker,' as opposed to any other ballet, is a lot more lighthearted; it's family-oriented," said Van Harris of the show's lasting appeal. "It's fun, it's exciting, it's magical."
This season, Van Harris gets to take on the role of The Prince for the first time.
"It's an honor more than anything else," said Van Harris.
Dancer Sumi Ichikawa is now in her 15th year with the organization and will dance the role of Clara for the second season in a row.
"Even before I joined BalletMet Academy and started participating in their Nutcracker, I would come see it every year," said Ichikawa.
BalletMet's "The Nutcracker" runs through Dec. 28. For more information, visit: https://www.balletmet.org/,