BY KAREN BOSSICK

Fifty-two children who live in the Wood River Valley will be taking part in that long running Christmas tradition—“The Nutcracker” on Sunday, Dec. 8.

The children will perform with professionals from Eugene Ballet at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Wood River High School Performing Arts Theater on the Community Campus in Hailey.

The touring show is being brought to Hailey by College of Southern Idaho, which has been bringing “The Nutcracker” here since 1993.

Sarah Kosterman will star as the Sugar Plum Fairy as the stage is transformed into the Snow Kingdom and the Land of the Sweets. Vivien Farrell will dance the role of Clara and Koki Yamaguchi, Hans.

More than 65 students from Footlight Dance Center auditioned in September to dance as Baby Mice and to dance the Waltz of the Flowers and other roles. Footlight Dance Centre Director Hilarie Neely has been conducting weekend rehearsals for the local dancers since.

“Involvement of local dance students is something we’ve always encouraged,” said Eugene Ballet Company Artistic Director Toni Pimble. “The experiences with a professional company will be something they’ll remember for years to come and give them inspiration beyond their dance studies.’

Tickets are $25, available online at http://offcampus.csi.edu/blaine/Nutcracker/

For information, call CSI at 208-788-2033.