Key West Performers Put Own Spin On Nutcracker Ballet

KEY WEST (CBSMiami/AP) — Leave it to the folks in Key West to put their own tropical spin on a classic holiday ballet.

"Nutcracker Key West" stars professional dancers including Natalia Ashikhmina, formerly with the Russian National Ballet, alongside Florida Keys children.

The production gives a subtropical twist to the tale of young Clara's visit to the Sugarplum Fairy.

Dancers portray snowy egrets, sea fans, "jewels" from a Spanish galleon shipwrecked off Key West and a conch shell.

The Key West production was created by Joyce Stahl, who performed "The Nutcracker" with New Jersey's American Repertory Ballet for 38 years. Stahl has dedicated the show to the children and families impacted by the Connecticut school shooting.

It runs through Saturday at the Tennessee Williams Theatre.

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