The Southwest Virginia Ballet is featured in a recent article on Parade.com, the digital platform of the well-known Sunday magazine.

The “How America Celebrates the Holiday Season” article showcases unique holiday experiences and traditions around the United States, and the story highlights the ballet’s annual performance of The Nutcracker.

The article was written by Tamra Bolton, who visited the region in 2014 as part of a media tour hosted by Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

She has high-praise for Southwest Virginia Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker, describing it as follows:

“Young imaginations will be sparked and audiences of all ages delighted as a Christmas tree grows to huge proportions, mice and soldiers battle, and waltzing snowflakes whirl about amidst falling snow. Children will especially enjoy seeing candies and sweets from exotic lands come to life and a gigantic Mother Ginger as she plays with her many ginger children. With over 150 performers, this memorable production of the Southwest Virginia Ballet is a Roanoke holiday tradition.”

Click here to read the full article on Parade.com and learn more about other special holiday traditions around the country.