Spokane dancer returns to perform in ‘Nutcracker’

Attending the Spokane Symphony’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” is a much-anticipated tradition for many, and a great way to launch the holiday season. This year the production is made even sweeter with the inclusion of Spokane native Nora Swoboda.

Swoboda, a 2013 Lewis and Clark graduate, auditioned for the State Street Ballet in January and was accepted into its professional-track program.

Based in Santa Barbara, California, State Street is a well-known company. Its founder and artistic director, Rodney Gustafson, spent much of his career dancing with American Ballet Theater, the premier dance company in the U.S.

“The director appeared in class one day and said they had one spot left (in “The Nutcracker”) and asked if I’d like to take it,” said Swoboda in a phone interview. “I was so excited! I’m honored to dance with this company and to be asked to go on tour”/Cindy Hval, SR. More here.

Question: How many times have you seen “The Nutcracker”?