Dance of the season, and inclusion

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Wilmington may not be a winter wonderland this Christmas. But the U.S. International Ballet and Wilmington Ballet Company promise to add to magic to the season with their production of "The Great Wilmington Nutcracker," which runs Dec. 15-16 at Cape Fear Community College's Wilson Center.

It's the 12th year for the WBC staging the classic ballet, but the first in which it will be led by Italian artistic directors Walter Angelini and Ines Albertini.

"They moved to Wilmington last year in late September," said Elizabeth Hester, executive director of the WBC. "They began with me as ballet mistress and master. I soon realized that they had genius talent and masterful execution."

“Walter and Ines only met me one time," Hester added. "We connected, they moved to Wilmington, shipped everything to the studio and we got started immediately."

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In just over a year, the studio has attracted over 30 dancers from five countries, produced five full-length productions, played to sold-out audiences and done two tours.

Albertini and Angelini will play the main roles of the Cavalier and Sugar Plum Fairy. Alexandra Gosiengfiao, from California, will play Dew Drop, while Victor Smith, from Australia, will perform the role of the Soldier Doll.

Angelini and Albertini plan to include the ballet's well-known, mesmerizing choreography to tell the story through music and movement while highlighting the skills of individual dancers. Snow will fall and sweets will come alive before your eyes as dance is intertwined with digital backdrops, aerial effects, stilt walkers and props to deliver a mix of comedy, sensuality and beauty.

The story centers on young Clara and her treasured toy Nutcracker, which comes to life, battles the evil Mouse King and takes Clara away to a magical doll kingdom.

“As a professional dancer, me and my wife, we have performed 'The Nutcracker' for over 18 years all around the world," said Angelini, who first did the ballet when he was 10.

But "The Great Wilmington Nutcracker" is more than just pretty tutus and special effects. The USIB and WBC collaboration will also bring the community into the theater to create an immersive experience for the audience. Thalian Association Community Theatre will sing in the lobby, as well as on stage for the snow scene. The Wilmington Celebration Choir will perform on stage before the show, and the Wilmington School of Ballet and other local dance schools will have student dancers integrated into the performance.

In the past, Hester has created special dances for students with disabilities, something she called "one of the most rewarding experiences of my career." This year, Hester said she was further inspired by Albertini to help those with serious challenges. Their collective goal was to make a difference and give back to those in need.

“She inspired me, and I reached out to Special Olympics,” Hester said, to include some of their athletes as performers in the show and for a special intermission performance.

Contact StarNews arts and entertainment at 910-343-2343 or John.Staton@StarNewsOnline.com.

Want to go?

What: "The Great Wilmington Nutcracker," presented by U.S. International Ballet and the Wilmington Ballet Co.

When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16 

Where: Dec. 9 at at Odell Williamson Auditorium on the campus of Brunswick Community College. Dec. 15-16 at CFCC Wilson Center, 701 N. Third St., Wilmington.

Info: Dec. 9 tickets are $23-$35. Dec. 15-16 tickets are $25-$55 plus taxes and fees.

Details: 910-755-7416 or bccowa.com. 910-362-7999 or CapeFearStage.com