SAAC Ballet Program Presents “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” — A Whimsical Holiday Ballet
The South Arkansas Arts Center’s Ballet Program invites the community to celebrate the magic of the season with its first-ever public ballet performance, “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Performances will be held Friday, December 12 at 6:00 PM, and Saturday, December 13 at 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM. Tickets are $5, with reserved seating available.
Under the direction of Kara Rushing and Peppermint Rushing, SAAC’s Ballet Program presents a whimsical tale of holiday wonder where toys, sugarplums, and festive magic come to life. This charming ballet transforms Clement C. Moore’s beloved poem into a vibrant celebration of dance, color, and imagination. Audiences will be transported into a festive Christmas Eve filled with twirling gingerbread, playful mice, graceful snowflakes, prancing reindeer, and the enchanting Sugarplum Lead and her sprites—all before Santa himself arrives to spread joy and Christmas cheer. Perfect for all ages, “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” captures the warmth and whimsy of the holiday season in a heartwarming celebration of storytelling through dance.
“This is such an exciting moment for us,” shared Lila Bullock, who performs as the Snow Queen. “We work hard all semester and pour a lot into these performances, and I’m so happy we get to share them with you. I’m excited that the ballet performances are finally open to the public—now more people can come and share in the beauty and fun of the program here at SAAC.”
For senior dancer Karis Flurry, who takes the stage as the Sugarplum Fairy, this performance holds special meaning. “Being part of this ballet program for the past 14 years has truly shaped who I am, as a dancer and as a person,” she said. “It’s been like a second home. As a senior, it’s so special to share our performance with the community this year. I hope everyone who comes can feel the same joy, dedication, and love for dance that we’ve all poured into it.”
The production features Victoria Williamson as Ma; Mallory Walker and Reagan McAnulty as Pa; Kalista Flurry and Kyra Flurry as Santa; Kinley Rushing and Rosie Allen as the Kids and Dolls; Karis Flurry as the Sugarplum Fairy; Lila Bullock as the Snow Queen; Mallory Walker and Sydney Rogers as Candy Canes; and Kalista Flurry, Kyra Flurry, and Victoria Williamson as Toy Soldiers.
Supporting performances include Pre-Ballet students as Mice (Adelaide Acuna, Anna Depper, Asa Hebert, Autumn Tolbert, Briar Huskey, Kayson Cameron, Magnolia Williamson, Olivia Lee); Ballet 1 students as Gingerbread Cookies (Alivia McCorvey, Christian Tolbert, Cora Jo Thurlkill, I’ve Jean Glass, Ivy Senn, Jonathan Ellen, Josie Vail, Loryn Holmes, Rosalie Johnston, Wren Jones); Ballet 2 students as Sugarplum Sprites (Adalyn McCorvey, Ahna Harrington, Etta Lee, Ivy Wasson, Maggie Mae Holland, Naomi Tolbert, Noelle Hebert, Norah Lee, Tovah Matheson); Ballet 3 students as Reindeer (Alyssa Murphree, Eden Thomas, Harper Davis, Jamya Dismuke, Jasmine Jimenez, Jill Miller, Kadence Flurry, Mary Catherine Jones, Myla Jones, Ruth Depper, Scarlet Scott); and Ballet 4 students as Snow (Abigail Williamson, Alexandria Ellen, Allie Gallant, Charlotte Williamson, Elijah Hebert, Eva Johnson, Gabriella Montgomery, Grace Ann Day, Haven Thomas, Keaton Rushing, Leilani Hall, Liv Compton).
Don’t miss this festive celebration of movement, magic, and holiday joy as SAAC’s Ballet Program dancers bring the timeless poem “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” to life on stage. Visit www.saac-arts.org or call 870-862-5474 to reserve your tickets today.