Ballet students to perform ‘Nutcracker’ at Summerlin Library

By Paul Takahashi

Monday, Dec. 6, 2010 | 5:05 p.m.

Families looking for a “Nutcracker” ballet performance that won’t break the bank are invited to the Summerlin Library Performing Arts Center later this month.

The Las Vegas Ballet Company and students from the Kwak Ballet Academy will perform “Nutcracker Highlights” at 7 p.m. Dec. 20, 21 and 22 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 23 at Summerlin Library, 1771 Inner Circle Drive.

Company and academy founder Kyudong Kwak and academy executive director Yoomi Lee will be performing the roles of the Nutcracker and the Sugar Plum Fairy in the school’s inaugural Nutcracker show. The husband and wife duo, originally from South Korea, are both former principal dancers at the Nevada Ballet Theatre.

After Kwak retired two years ago from his 10-year stint with the state’s largest professional ballet company, he founded the Kwak Ballet Academy, which he said filled a niche in the Las Vegas dance community.

“There are so many dance studios (in Las Vegas). Close to 100,” said Kwak, who also serves as the artistic director of the Las Vegas Ballet Company. “But none focus specifically on classical ballet, showing the technique, detail and focus. A very specific (dance) form is required.”

The ballet school’s 55 enrolled students have performed six other shows in the valley, including Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” and a Kwak-produced “Memory of You.” Setting their next performance apart is that academy students will have a chance to rub shoulders professional dancers.

Performing the venerable holiday classic around the same time as the larger shows doesn’t faze Kwak, who said he is confident audience members will be charmed by his school’s community focus.

“What’s great is that people don’t have to spend so much money. Our show is very affordable and it’s very good quality,” he said. “Families can spend time together for the holidays. That’s my main focus.”

Admission costs $17 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 1-866-967-8167 or by visiting www.kwakballet.com.