Ballet Esprit hosts ‘Alter-Nut’ fundraiser on Dec. 17

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A local ballet company celebrated the holiday season with a unique twist on The Nutcracker as performances of the ballet are approaching on Saturday, Dec. 23rd in Chattanooga.

Ballet Esprit hosted their annual fundraiser event on Sunday with their own interpretive experience.

The event called, “Alter-Nut” is the largest fundraiser of the year for the nonprofit.

It consists of a recital followed by live music and a silent auction.

“Alter-Nut” is the company’s own style of dance– taking the concept of The Nutcracker and translating it into a free-form.

Founder and Artistic Director, Sarah Yvonne, mentioned this provides a holistic approach to teaching the dancers.

“So, we’ve taken the Nutcracker and turned it into something called the ‘Alter-Nut.’ It’s an alternative Nutcracker– an immersive experience for the audience, for the dancers… It’s something a little more quirky and dark… Something a little more fun than your traditional, rigid Nutcracker experience,” Yvonne said.

The event welcomes many members of the community to raise money for the nonprofit ballet company.

This fundraiser is a creative way for the company to feature their dancers during the holiday season.

Around 25 students are also participating in the NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet this coming weekend at the Soliders and Sailors Memorial Auditorium.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF COOPER ALLEN.