New dancers joining cast of ‘Nutcracker’

Courtesy photo

Haley Arnaz receives flowers after dancing the Grand Pas De Deux in “The Nutcracker” in this 2006 performance. Arnaz will perform again in this year’s production.

By Becky Bosshart

Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008 | midnight

Joining little Clara and the beloved Nutcracker on stage this year will be two Boulder City High School seniors — one of whom is the quarterback of the football team.

Boulder City Ballet Co.'s popular performances of "The Nutcracker" Dec. 12-14 is the perfect way to welcome in the Christmas season, said Amy Arnaz, company executive director. Arnaz's daughter, 31-year-old Haley Arnaz, is dancing as the older Clara and the Princess in the Land of Sweets.

"It is the most loved ballet of all time," she said. "It takes place in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1895. The music is by Tchaikovsky. We have these three different, beautiful backdrops. It's a very quaint beautiful set."

Some of the costumes are also handmade, including several $400 beaded tutus from Romania.

Performances are at The Boulder Theatre, 1225 Arizona St. Performances are 7 p.m. Dec. 12, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 1 p.m. Dec. 14. Tickets, at $20, are sold out, but a waiting list is available. Call 293-1161 for information.