(EMERSON, NJ) -- On December 14-15, 2024, Adelphi Orchestra and Ballet Arts will present "The Nutcracker" at River Dell High School. This year marks the third season in which Adelphi Orchestra, a professional, non-profit orchestra, and Ballet Arts, one of New York and New Jersey’s premiere ballet schools, partner to bring live music to this cherished holiday ballet.

Headquartered in River Edge, The Adelphi Orchestra is the oldest chamber orchestra in Northern New Jersey. “Ballet Arts and the Adelphi Orchestra make a great combination, and I’m so pleased to be a part of it,” explained Kyunghun Kim, the Principal Conductor, who will lead the musicians.  Jane Silane and Marilyn Westlake-Nichols, co-owners and directors of Ballet Arts, added, “There's something truly magical about students dancing with a live orchestra. It elevates their connection to the music and allows them to experience the energy of each note in real time.” Graduates of Ballet Arts, including Alessandra Ferrari-Wong, Naomi Roth, and Jack Silane, have continued to dance in influential ballet companies including the Chattanooga Ballet, Columbia University Ballet Ensemble, and New Jersey Ballet, respectively.

"The Nutcracker" tells the enchanting story of Clara, whose nutcracker doll turns into a Prince on Christmas Eve to battle the fierce Mouse Queen. Victorious, he whisks Clara and her brother Franz to the Kingdom of Sweets for a celebration of dazzling dances.

Kellan Hayag, will play the role of the Prince. Currently, Kellan is training at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School in New York City under the direction of Artistic Director Stella Abrera. Originally from Orange County, CA, Kellan has been dancing since the age of 4 and has received numerous scholarships and awards for his artistry. Kathleen Hahn, of Oradell, will dance the leading role of the Sugar Plum Fairy.  Shannon Grieb of Ridgewood and Leah Runchey of Oradell will play the part of Clara, and Jillian Klein of Oradell, and Evangeline Camacho of River Edge, will play the part of Franz. Always a delight, Dr. Frederick F. Fakharzadeh, will dance as the mysterious Drosselmeyer.

This year’s performances also feature new costumes for the Waltz of the Flowers. These tutus are designed and constructed by Gisele Ferrari-Wong. “They are in the shape of upside-down flowers and created to complement the beautiful waltz and conjure a vision of spinning flowers blowing in the wind” she shared. All the 150 costumes in The Nutcracker are hand-made, and then fit and altered to each dancer under the supervision of Haruka Fujji.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join Clara and Franz on their enchanted journey and to hear a live orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s music.  

“The Nutcracker” runs Saturday, December 14th at 7:00pm and Sunday, December 15th at 2:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online. River Dell High School is located at 55 Pyle Street in Oradell, New Jersey.