The classic ballet production, The Nutcracker, started last night in the National Theatre of Namibia and continues tomorrow afternoon and evening, it was announced in a press release by the NTN. The production is being staged by the ballet students of the College of the Arts. “Arranged and directed by Heather Kittel, this year’s ballet production is based on the fairy tale, ‘The Nutcracker’ and approximately hundred and ten ballet students will be taking part in this exciting production. The aim of the yearly production by the ballet department at the College, is to expose the students to live stage performance and to give them an opportunity to showcase their talent and skills acquired during their years of study,” says the statement. According to the release the leading roles of Clara and Hans are danced by Andrea Matzopoulos and Leneve Mannel – two very talented young Advanced Ballet Students at the College. The role of Sugar Plum Fairy and the Prince are portrayed by Zaandre du Toit and Steven Van Wyk, both studying ballet at the University of Cape Town. The duos are currently on apprenticeship for the Cape Town City Ballet. Darren Greef, a very talented young student, currently studying at the Waterfront Theatre School, is dancing the well-known Trepak. He accompanies talented young dancers Esmeralda Garus Oas and Bronwyn Tarr in “The Spanish Dance” and “Tchaikovsky Pas Deux” respectively. Steven Van Wyk and Bronwyn Duminy will dance the Arabian Dance, and Nicole Spinas will head 14 lovely young ballerinas in the well-known “Waltz of the Flowers”. The role of Grandfather Drosselmeyer is portrayed by guest artists and well-known actor Edward Ward. The combination of beautiful music, dance and dazzling costumes guarantees a wonderful production of “The Nutcracker”.