SOUTHBURY - Anna Romano, an eighth grade student at Newtown Middle School, will be dancing the leading role of Clara in the first of two performances of The Nutcracker by Main Street Ballet this holiday season.

Anna has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She now dedicates herself to dance, spending up to 12 hours a week studying ballet and rehearsing for Main Street Ballet Company's winter and spring performances.

She is also active in the arts locally, performing with NewArts in Lion King, Liberty Smithand, School of Rock, along with her older brother Charles, who is also an active member of the performing arts community.

Main Street Ballet Company's production has been delighting audiences of all ages for 29 years and is sure to please audiences again this year.

Anna will be featured as Clara in the Saturday, December 3 performance. She will then take on the role of Soldier Doll, and will dance in Snow and Waltz of the Flowers, on Sunday, December 4.

In addition to local dancers and actors, this year's guest artists are Taro Karachi of the Edward Ellison Ballet (New York) as Sugar Plum Cavelier; and New York dancer Marcello Martinez as Snow King and Arabian Cavalier.

Performances will be held at Pomperaug High School, 234 Judd Road in Southbury. Curtain will be 7 pm Saturday and 2 pm on Sunday.

Reserved seats are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors (age 65 and over) and students (ages 7-21), and $12 for ages 6 and under.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at mainstreetballet.org. They will also be available at the door.

For additional information call 314 750-4244.

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