The Inland Empire Contemporary Ballet is back for its 8th season bringing their interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet “The Nutcracker” under the artistic direction of Jamie Azpeitia Sachs. The Inland Empire Contemporary Ballet is known for embracing diversity in casting, and this season is no different with an all-African American lead ensemble!

Artistic Director Jamie Azpeitia stated “there have been so many casting changes this season and it just so happens that our Sugarplum Fairy, Cavalier, Clara and the Nutcracker are all of African American descent. I am fully aware of how monumental this is, especially for the diversity that exists within the Inland Empire.”

The company has been under the artistic direction of Jamie Azpeitia Sachs since 2014. This year brings New York City Ballet company member and freelance artist Rachel Hutsell as the “Sugar Plum Fairy,” and Dance Magazine’s “25 to watch” Micah Moch fresh from the San Francisco Ballet Opera. “Being an African American woman in such a prestigious role brings pride that I am part of the representation I wish I had greater access to while growing up,” Azpeitia-Sachs stated. Rounding out the lead cast are two very talented young ballerinas: Langston Sachs, a Riverside High School sophomore as “The Nutcracker,” and making her debut on stage as the lead child performer, is 9-year-old Genevieve Morneau of Beaumont in the role of “Clara.”

“Representation is so important, and to be able to have audience members, especially children, look on to the stage and see themselves is amazing, she said.”

Rounding out the cast will be Andee Goldman, Sarah Zamarripa as the “Snow Queen,” and the “Dew Drop Fairy,” Brazilian dancer and Director Eliezer Rabelo and many more.

The Nutcracker Ballet will premiere this weekend at the Yucaipa Performing Arts Center located at 12062 California Street, in Yucaipa. There will be four shows, Friday, December 6 at 7:00 pm, Saturday, December 7 at 2:00 pm & 6:00 pm, and Sunday, December 8 at 4:00 pm

For tickets contact the YPAC Box office at www.YucaipaPerformingArts.org or call (909) 500-7744.