The Nutcracker, Featuring Megan Nordlund

Returning to the Inland Empire this December by the Inland Pacific Ballet (IBP) is the classic holiday production, danced to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, The Nutcracker. Critically acclaimed IPB brings The Nutcracker to life with dazzling sets complete with falling snow, an antique original Albany Flyer One Horse Open Sleigh, a 40-foot Chinese Dragon, beautiful costumes handmade in-house at IPB’s costume department, and a cast of 80 dancers. New to this year’s production is a completely re-choreographed Snow Scene for an expanded cast of 20 and a brand new lighting design. 13-year-old Megan Nordlund, from Loma Linda, will be among the returning cast members, playing the role of Mirleton Hoops, Clara’s Friend, Maid, Icicles, and an Understudy for Waltz Corps and for the Kissing Dolls. The Kissing Dolls understudy role is "one of her dream roles," says her mother, Tricia. "She was thrilled to have the opportunity to learn it." Rehearsing approximately 8-9 hours per week, Nordlund has been dancing with IBP for the past five years. This year, she is most excited to play Clara’s Friend in the first Act and perform under the direction of Clinton Rothwell. “I feel like it’s a great show,” she says. “It’s lively with an incredibly talented cast of company dancers along with younger kids in amazing costumes.” Nordlund juggles dance and studying at Redlands Christian School, but believes that the balancing act isn’t quite as challenging if you love what you’re doing. “It’s difficult, but when you love something, it doesn’t matter,” she added. The Nutcracker returns to the Inland Empire with performances at Bridges Auditorium at Pomona College on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m.; Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m.; Lewis Family Playhouse in Rancho Cucamonga on Friday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m.