By Guest Blogger Shelley H.

Attending UNCSA’s The Nutcracker has become an annual tradition for me and my eldest daughter—and this year my second daughter has reached the age where she can join the fun. She’s been desperate to join her big sister in this magical treat and I can’t wait to see her reaction.

My eldest daughter is now five years old and 2011 marks her third year going to The Nutcracker. She starts looking forward to it as soon as she gets a sense that it’s holiday time. And when she hears Tchaikovsky’s classic score on the radio or on TV, she immediately starts dancing around the house (or the store or wherever we are) and asking when we get to go see The Nutcracker.

I love our Nutcracker tradition. I think I don’t really begin to get into the holiday spirit until we attend a performance of this magical ballet. Being with my daughter as she laughs at the baby mice and watches in awe as the Snowflakes dance across the stage creates memories I will always cherish. My oldest daughter attends dance classes and although I have no idea at her young age how long she will pursue dance, I know watching the UNCSA dancers inspires her. In fact, if you happen to attend the same performance we do, you may see my daughter dancing her way out of the Stevens Center at the end of the show.

We make going to see The Nutcracker a really special mother/daughter/god daughter (I always bring my god daughter as well) experience. We get all dressed up—which my daughter finds very fun—and have a special lunch before the show. I think it makes them feel very grown up to have this day out on the town.

One of the great things about The Nutcracker is that it has something for all ages—I enjoy the whole experience as much as my kids. My daughter and god daughter are mesmerized by Mother Ginger and her children, the baby mice, the Christmas tree, as well as the magical dancing. And I am reminded each year that right here in Winston-Salem, we get to see top quality dancing, excellent live music performed by a full orchestra and beautiful sets and costumes all created by faculty and students at UNCSA. I get to see dance at the highest level without leaving town!

The Nutcracker is an annual holiday tradition that I know we will be enjoying for years to come. I highly recommend it for everyone. It’s a magical experience that will bring joy young and old alike.

The Nutcracker runs from December 10 through 18th at the Stevens Center in downtown Winston-Salem. For more information visit the UNCSA Nutcracker web page. You can get your tickets at the website or you can call 336-721-1945.

And don't forget...you can win two tickets to this performance in Winston-Salem just by sharing your favorite holiday tradition or memory with us! Click here for details. You have until Monday, December 5 at Noon to register. We'll pick winners that afternoon.

Sponsored by UNC School of the Arts