The time has arrived once again for "Nutcracker" season and Continental Ballet Company is among the first of the local dance troupes to bring this mainstay about a young girl's sweet holiday dream to the stage. Founder and artistic director Riet Velthuisen offers a unique take on the familiar tale -- her harmonious version is anti-violence, so don't expect any battle scenes involving mice (although the wily rodents still make an appearance, just on friendlier terms). What remains the same are Tchaikovsky's memorable composition, the Sugar Plum Fairy's delicate dancing, the mysterious Drosselmeyer (creator of toys come to life) and, of course, a Nutcracker turned romantic cavalier.
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