West Potomac Academy and Alexandria Community Dance are teaming up to present the ninth annual performance of “The Nutcracker,” the traditional holiday story with a modern twist, November 30, December 1, and December 2, at West Potomac High School’s Springbank Auditorium. Four shows will be performed: Thursday, November 30, at 5:30 p.m.; Friday, December 1, at 6:30 p.m.; and Saturday, December 2, at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. West Potomac Academy is one of six high school academies in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

West Potomac Academy’s Dance students will participate in the entire production, both on stage and behind the scenes. Advanced Dance students will have featured performances. This version of “The Nutcracker” will include ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, and hip-hop dance and gymnastics.

Directing and choreographing this production are Courtney Betzel of the West Potomac Academy Dance program, and business partners Gennifer Difilippo of Alexandria Community Dance and Adrienne Magnuson of Above the Barre. Guest choreographers include professional dancers Paul McGill and Brittany Hall (a West Potomac Academy Dance alumna), and Christie Elise, a Washington Wizards dancer.

More than 100 dancers from the Alexandria area of Fairfax County auditioned for the performance. Students from the following Fairfax County public schools are represented in the production: Belle View, Fort Hunt, Hollin Meadows, Stratford Landing, Hybla Valley, Bucknell, and Waynewood Elementary Schools; Sandburg Middle School; Hayfield Secondary School; and West Potomac High School. Performers range in age from three years old to adult.

Special ticket prices for specific audiences have been announced for select performances. A dress performance on Wednesday, November 29, at 5:30 p.m. is designated for scouts and leaders, and the 6:30 p.m. performance on Saturday, December 2, is designated as military appreciation.

Groups are welcome. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $12 or at the door for $15. More information and tickets are available online.

For additional information, contact Courtney Betzel at 703-718-2641 or @email. West Potomac Academy and West Potomac High School are located at 6500 Quander Road in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County. Follow West Potomac Academy on Twitter, @Academy_WP