(SUMMIT, NJ) -- New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble (NJDTE)’s full-length production of “The Nutcracker” has a new home in Montclair for its 46th anniversary season. Set to the classic music of Peter Tchaikovsky and choreographed by NJDTE Artistic Director Nancy Turano, the ballet features over 55 talented young dancers ages 7 through 18 from across New Jersey as well as professional guest artists.  Performances will take place December 12-13.

 “We are thrilled to bring “The Nutcracker” to the thriving cultural community of Montclair. As a hub for forward-thinking arts initiatives, Montclair is a perfect match for NJDTE and our mission of cultivating contemporary, progressive dance programming and training right here in New Jersey,” Turano said.

 Celebrated dancers Morgan McEwen, Scott Weber, Rosemary Sabovick-Bleich, Joseph Fritz, Bradley Shelver, Mario Espinoza and Terence Duncan, from prestigious companies such as Ballet Hispanico, National Ballet of Cuba, Metropolitan Opera Ballet and New Jersey Ballet, among others, join the Ensemble for three performances at its new venue, the Memorial Auditorium at Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, NJ on Saturday, December 12 at 1:00pm and 5:00pm, and Sunday, December 13 at 2:00pm.

New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble celebrates over 45 years of excellence as a pre-professional training school and performing company. Since its inception in 1969, NJDTE has maintained a successful dance curriculum with an unparalleled outcome of artistic excellence. The Ensemble provides mentorship programs and access to master artists and choreographers as role models, providing a network for the dancers to succeed as performing artists in higher education and as professionals in the field. An esteemed advisory panel of the country’s most inspired dance artists supports the Ensemble. Throughout the year, a full schedule of classes in ballet, modern, pointe and contemporary dance for dancers ages 7-18 are taught by faculty from prominent companies and schools, including the Paris Opera Ballet, Limón Dance Company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Twyla Tharp and Lar Lubovitch, among others.. NJDTE’s MIP & Pre-MIP programming offers advanced contemporary and improvisational skills in New York City for dancers ages 17-22. The Ensemble presents a full-length production of “The Nutcracker” at Montclair State University, annually premieres new works by innovative artists-in-residence with its AiR® Program, and maintains a diverse repertory by renowned choreographers. The company also offers continuing support for its alumni with employment opportunities as NJDTE staff members and guest artists.,