The newly formed non-profit, Bainbridge Ballet Performance Group, is currently holding the 21st annual performance of “The Nutcracker” at the Bainbridge High School auditorium.

This long-standing holiday tradition brings nearly 1,500 audience members to Bainbridge Island for matinee and evening performances. A Sponsor Night Preview was held Dec. 12, including introductory remarks from state Rep. Greg Nance and Bainbridge Island Mayor Ashley Mathews, and a “Behind the Seams” costume presentation from executive and artistic director Sara Cramer, a ballerina, teacher, director, choreographer– and expert seamstress–who with a team of volunteers creates all of the costumes used in the performances.

Public performances were held Dec. 13 and 14 and more will be held Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and the final performance Dec. 21 at 3:30 p.m. Information and tickets can be found at www.bainbridgeballet.com.

Headlining this year is Sunny Hsieh, a professional dancer from the Canyon Concert Ballet in Colorado. Originally from Taiwan, Hsieh immigrated to Toronto, Canada, at the age of five. He began his dance training at the age of 12 to improve his balance for martial arts and quickly became obsessed with dance. He began training seriously under Evelyn Hart and later joined Orlando Ballet School as a trainee. Hsieh has danced professionally for Ballet Palm Beach, Ballet Des Moines, Ballet Spartanburg and Colorado West Performing Arts Company.

Currently a dancer for Canyon Concert Ballet in Colorado under artistic director Michael Pappalardo, Hsieh has performed a wide variety of roles, such as the titular character of The Picture of Dorian Grey, Harker in Dracula, Peter Pan, and Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

“Most of these dancers have been with me for many, many years–starting as little lambs or angels and progressing to senior roles,” commented director Sara Cramer. “With our BBPG board now supporting annual performances, the Bainbridge Island community and I can rest assured that this magical holiday Nutcracker performance tradition will continue for years to come.”

The performance features three Bainbridge High School seniors this year: Sophie Dotson as the Sugar Plum Fairy; Abby Huck in the role of Dew Drop in Flowers; and Ellie Muldrow as the Arabian Soloist lead. O’Dea sophomore and Bainbridge Islander Nolan Riley is featured as the Nutcracker Prince. Woodward Middle School 7th grader Becca Beyer and St. Cecelia 8th grader Natalie Huck debut in the role of Clara in this year’s performance.

Bob Black, BBPG board president, who has played Drosselmeyer in several past performances and debuts as Mr. Stahlbaum and, comedically, as Mother Ginger this year, noted, “Bringing this home-grown yet incredibly impressive, professional production of The Nutcracker to Bainbridge Island each year is a gift that keeps on giving. The joy and professionalism that our dancers–aged five to 18–bring to the stage is infectious, and we can’t wait to perform for our community!”