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ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Ballet Theatre South is presenting its 45th season of “The Nutcracker” at the Albany Municipal Auditorium, continuing a decades-long holiday tradition for local families.

The production requires months of preparation, with dancers beginning rehearsals in August and practicing every Saturday until show week, according to Laurie Senn, president of the ballet’s board.

“I am extremely proud. I don’t think people realize the amount of work that goes into putting a production like this on,” Senn said. “These dancers start in August, and they give up every Saturday until the week of the show and they’re here every week until these shows are completed, in addition to all the volunteers that we have. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.”

Emily Reese, who plays Clara, the character who receives the Nutcracker, said she was inspired to perform in the show after seeing it as a child.

“I remember the first time I went and saw ”The Nutcracker," and it was really inspiring. It had just a magical feel to it, and so that was something that kind of resonated with me, and it was something that stuck with me,” Reese said.

Joshua Ethridge, who plays the Nutcracker, said the demanding role keeps him constantly engaged on stage.

“I am constantly on stage, more than I usually am, and so there’s a lot of — you have to stand a certain way, you have to act a certain way, and you always have to be engaging. It’s a good challenge,” Ethridge said.

“The Nutcracker” has become a holiday tradition for Ballet Theatre South over its 45 seasons.

The ballet has performances scheduled for Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 6 at 2:30 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 2:30 p.m.

To purchase tickets and learn more, visit Ballet Theatre South’s website at ballettheatresouth.org.

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