Behind the scenes of Los Angeles Ballet's "The Nutcracker"

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"The Nutcracker" is a holiday staple for ballet companies across the country. It tells the story of a young girl named Clara, who goes to a magical land with her Nutcracker prince on Christmas Eve. From professional companies to local dance studios, each production interprets Tchaikovsky's iconic score and the young girl's journey differently. Christina Campodonico talked with Katherine Cowgill, the Ballet Mistress of Los Angeles Ballet, about her love of teaching the "Snow" scene, when Clara travels through the Land of Snow to the Palace of the Dolls. 

Los Angeles Ballet will open their rendition of the "The Nutcracker" on Dec. 6 at the Alex Theatre in Glendale. The company will tour across Southern California through December 28.

Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker Op. 71: X Waltz of the Snowflakes

Photo Caption: Los Angeles Ballet Ensemble in "The Nutcracker"; Photo: Reed Hutchinson