Now in its fifth year on the Island, the In Motion School of Dance’s version of the Christmas classic The Nutcracker has been reworked with a local flavour.

“In Motion are committed to being innovative, to offering new and unique things to the Island — this has become so popular as a traditional holiday event that we decided to Bermudianise it,” said Lizz Pimental, the school’s founder.

While she wants to leave the Bermudian details as a surprise for the audience, a Gombey element has been added, as well as longtails.

Costumes aren’t the only thing that will be new in this year’s production, with street-style, jazz and tap dancing worked into the classic ballet.

The Nutcracker shows at 7pm in the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium on Friday and Saturday, with a 2pm matinee on the second day.

The young all-Bermudian cast have had no easy task balancing rehearsals with schoolwork. “We also have alumni coming to join in. In 18 years, In Motion has had more than a dozen students go to pursue dance careers, which is awesome,” Ms Pimental said. “We’ve had students able to hold their own overseas.

“We work hard and we play hard. It’s definitely an In Motion family and a combined effort. We have a lot of fun, but we sure as heck work hard.”

The Nutcracker is synonymous with Christmas around the world. For Bermuda’s version, In Motion make a point of weaving in fresh changes each year.

It started out modestly with a performance using part of Act II and is gradually incorporating Act I: “We’re slowly building it up to be the full Nutcracker,” Ms Pimental said.

•Tickets are available at www.inmotion.bm or www.ptix.bm