The Northwest Ballet Company will present its 21st annual production of The Nutcracker Thanksgiving week in Bigfork.

The five performances over Thanksgiving weekend will be at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts. 

Director Marisa Roth and cast of 60 students and community participants have been preparing since September for a weekend of dance, music, storytelling and as Roth said, “The best way to start the Christmas holiday.”

“I tell my students each audition season how lucky they are to be able to perform in The Nutcracker for not only fivew shows, but every year,” she said. “When I was a student at the Northwest Ballet, it was such a big production, we only danced the holiday classic every other year.”

Company principal Megan Bridwell feels bittersweet about her final season with her company. “I have had the most amazing journey at Northwest Ballet Company,” she said.  “Not only have I been given an incredible dance experience, but I’ve also been given a second family.”

Tickets for reserved seating are available now until show days at the Kalispell Grand Hotel, 100 Main St., Kalispell, 755-8100. On show days, tickets will be available at the Bigfork Center’s box office one hour before the performances start. Ticket prices are $22 adults, $20 seniors 65 and over, and $15 children 12 and under. Shows are Nov. 28 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Nov. 29 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Nov. 30 at 4 p.m.  

The ever-popular Sugar Plum Fairy Parade will follow the 2 p.m. matinees on Friday and Saturday. For more information call the Dance Art Center at 755-0760.