by April Helms

Special Products Editor

A lot of effort goes into producing those "visions of sugar plums," Nutcrackers, flowers, snow, marzipan and other sweet sights seen in the classic ballet tale, "The Nutcracker."

Those pointe shoes tied onto the ballerinas' feet? They cost around $50, and only hold up for a few days of rigorous work. The Ballet Theatre of Ohio dancers rehearse about 20 hours a week for the show, on top of school and any other commitments.

"It's as demanding as any sport," said Christine Meneer, artistic director of Ballet Theatre of Ohio, during a brief break in one rehearsal.

At that, many of the dancers chimed in that it was more demanding.

"They [athletes] would probably put on the pointe shoes and die," said Maria Sargent, who handles publicity for the company and whose daughter Heather will be dancing in "The Nutcracker."

But is it worth it? The answer would seem to be a resounding "yes."

"I'm having a lot of fun," said Megan Coleman, who lives in Michigan and will be one of the two dancers in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. "It's a great opportunity."

Ballet Theatre of Ohio will bring "The Nutcracker" back to the Akron Civic Theatre Nov. 29 through Dec. 7 for its 16th year.

"The Nutcracker" tells the story of a young girl's very special Christmas gift, and is danced to the Tchaikovsky's famous score. Last year, more than 14,000 people enjoyed this show.

The 2008-09 season sponsor is the Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation.

BTO will present the seven public performances of The Nutcracker: Nov. 29 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Nov. 30 at 2 p.m.; Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Dec. 7 at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices are $40, $32, $25 and $18 with discounts available for groups, Girl Scouts and for subscription patrons (buying tickets for both "The Nutcracker" and BTO's May premiere production of "The Wizard of Oz"). Girl Scout groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounted tickets, and girls can earn a commemorative patch.

Tickets are available at the Akron Civic Theatre box office at 330-253-2488, or through TicketMaster at 330-945-9400. Visit www.ballettheatreohio.org online for discount ticket offers and to view video clips of BTO performances.

Doors open one hour prior to the performance.

Outreach programs

Ballet Theatre of Ohio also is performing several free and low-cost shows for area agencies serving children.

The theater company will again perform for Dec. 2 for about 1,500 students through the Akron City Schools. The performance, subsidized by grants, allows students to come for $1.50.

New this year is a partnership with Lock 3, the Akron Community Head Start and other agencies, Meneer said. Those involved with Head Start, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, the Boys and Girls Club, Hattie Larlham, Ronald McDonald House and others will be invited to see the final dress rehearsal Nov. 28. Those invited include children, mentors, teachers, and families.

"Our performance is coordinated with Lock 3 events," Meneer said. "Children can leave 'The Nutcracker' and attend the free Tree Lighting Ceremony at Lock Three."

Sargent said that the arts "is a powerful medium" for educating children, and Meneer agreed.

"It's important for a child to learn to sit down and focus with their eyes," Meneer said, adding that teaching a child how to concentrate was as important as teaching other basic skills. She pointed to her own dancers, many of whom were strong students.

"The teen years can be rough, but these are a really great bunch of kids," Meneer said.