Spectrum News: Ballet Afrique Presents Duke Ellington's The Nutcracker

AUSTIN, Texas – Ballet Afrique Contemporary Dance Company will present Duke Ellington's The Nutcracker to a sold-out crowd at the McCallum Arts Center Friday.

• First time the dance company is using a live band

• Ballet Afrique founded in 2008

• All shows are sold out

The show is a collaboration with the Austin Community College Jazz Ensemble. It marks the first time the company relies on live music for a production of the holiday classic. Founding Executive Director China Smith said dancing to live music will take the performers to another level.