Teaming up for holiday perennial

Olympic Ballet Theatre and the Everett Symphony are joining forces again for weekend performances of “Nutcracker” in Everett.

The traditional collaboration has resulted in one of the year’s premiere arts events, a fully staged production of the holiday classic performed Saturday and Sunday at the Everett Civic Auditorium.

The Edmonds-based dance company brings years of expertise to the elaborate story ballet, which includes the traditional “Waltz of the Flowers,” “Chinese Tea,” “Waltz of the Snowflakes” and the lively “Party Scene.” The Everett Symphony, conducted by Ron Friesen, backs them every step of the way playing Tchaikovsky’s marvelous music.

“Nutcracker” is both a holiday and a family tradition at Olympic Ballet. Artistic directors John and Helen Wilkins choreographed the production 23 years ago. Their son, Daniel, a dancer and choreographer, has added to the steps.

Daniel Wilkins took on a more active role in the company upon the death of his father, and is now Olympic Ballet Theatre’s associate artistic director.

He’s also an accomplished dancer who runs his own dance company, and has appeared in OBT’s “Nutcracker” performances since childhood.

Once again he is dancing the principal role of Cavalier, joined on stage by Viktoria Titova, who dances the role of the Sugarplum Fairy. Titova is a former member of Stars of the Bolshoi and is artistic director of Ballet Bellevue.

Other principals include Danielle Wilkins, who is married to Daniel Wilkins, and dances the role of Arabian Coffee, and Peter de Grasse, who performs as the Nutcracker and Snow Prince. He is a member of Seattle’s Spectrum Dance Theatre.

Olympic Ballet’s production of “Nutcracker” also will be performed at Meany Hall at the University of Washington Dec. 18 and 19.