'Nutcracker' ballet to open tonight

It's that time of the year again. \nHoliday festivities fill the hours and the Christmas spirit pervades the air. \nThere is perhaps no single musical event that enchants people more with the magic of Christmas than "The Nutcracker." The legendary ballet was written by Russian master composer Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky, first performed in 1892. The IU Ballet Theater will bring this creation to life.\nA performance of this magnitude isn't easy. \n"This was definitely a challenge," said Ray Cramer, chair of the Department of Bands and conductor of "The Nutcracker." "First of all, putting such a huge score together is no laughing matter. Secondly, it is a challenge to make sure that the tempos are correct for the dancers." \nIt is imperative for the conductor and the choreographer to work together. Jacques Cesbron, professor of dance at the School of Music, serves as the ballet's choreographer, together with his wife, Virginia Cesbron. \n"I organize the rehearsals and the staging of performances," said Virginia, chairperson of the ballet department. "I am also the artistic coordinator." \nJacques Cesbron, a native of France and former dancer at the Paris Opera said he is nothing but grateful for working at the School of Music. \n"Here I have an orchestra, beautiful sets, a costume shop and a wonderful set designer at my disposal," he said. "Where else can I expect to have all this?"\nCesbron has choreographed several ballets and operas during the past fifteen years. Still, he insists that ballet and opera are two totally different art forms. \n"In a ballet, I have a lot of freedom," he said. "I can use many dance styles in my choreography, whereas in opera I don't have nearly as much freedom."\nHe is the first to admit that he has used this creative freedom to its fullest this year. \n"I have made the ballet a lot more difficult for the dancers this year," he said. "They may make a mistake while on stage but the important thing is that they will grow as dancers from this experience." \nAll of the dancers are enthusiastic about this year's performance. The fact that the ballet has been made more difficult this year has served to motivate them to work harder. \n"Even though the choreography is more difficult, I like the challenge," said senior Melissa Nolan, who plays the Sugar Plum Fairy during the matinee performance. "The ballet theater has gotten a lot better since my freshman year because of challenges like this." \nPerformance times are at 8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. All performances take place at the MAC. Tickets are $26, $22 and $20 for regular seating and $18 for students. They can be purchased at the box office at the MAC, at all ticketmaster locations, by phone a t 333-9955, or online at www.music.indiana.edu.