ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — Gulf Coast Ballet of Orange Beach will present The Nutcracker in Gulf Shores Dec. 17 and in Foley Dec. 18.

 This ballet is open to the community as well as GCB dancers and there are several acting rolls for men, women, boys and girls as well as dancing parts for ages 3 and up. Actors need to attend rehearsals in December, dancers need to attend classes once a week in November and December as well as rehearsals. Those interested should call GCB director Kathleen Tucker at 251-269-9297 or email her at mrstucker@gulfcoastballet.com.

 Recently, GCB students learned what rolls they would dance in this year’s local Nutcracker performance. In the advanced point class, Elizabeth Anne Rollings will be the Sugarplum Fairy, Dani Logan will dance the part of the Snow Queen, Mary-Grace Reeves will present the Dew Drop Fairy. Sadly for GCB, these three dancers are seniors this year and so will perform a special Pas de Trois to the Spanish Chocolate music. Sarah Carl will be this year’s Forest Fairy.

 Everyone at GCB is excited that their newest instructor Bobby Biggs, who also dances and teaches in Pensacola and Mobile, will perform the wonderful Russian dance as well as fill the roll of Herr Drosselmeyer. Instructor Andrea Dickey, who choreographs all except the children’s dances, will perform her very popular Arabian with guest Anthony Lee. The young ladies who are in the Pre-Point and Beginning Point class will dance as the Snowflakes, Waltz of the Flowers, the Party Girls and several other parts. Bernadette Carl will be Clara.

 GCB Director, Kathleen Tucker said this is an exciting time for the girls.

 “It is such fun when our students learn what parts they have been chosen to dance and they get to try on their costumes for the first time.” Mrs. Tucker’s younger students will fill the rolls of Lambs (age 3), Mice (age 4), Chinese Tea (age 5), Bonbons (age 6) Soldiers (age 7) Angels, Shepherdesses, Peppermints, Dragonflies and more.

 “This is the second year GCB as performed their holiday classic in Foley as well as Gulf Shores. After putting so much time and effort into this ballet, It is wonderful for the dancers to get to do a second performance.” said Mrs. Tucker. More information about both shows can be found at the school’s web site www.gulfcoastballet.com or by phoning Tucker at 269-9297.