By Jenet Krol

Krol@hometownnewsol.com

For many people, the holidays just wouldn't be complete without seeing the Nutcracker ballet.

This year, audiences can continue that tradition at the Cocoa Village Playhouse Dec. 18-20, where the Galmont Ballet will present its 15th annual performance of the "American Nutcracker."

Choreographed by Frank Galvez, who has performed with ballet companies in Fort Lauderdale, Kentucky, Belgium and Venezuela, this version of the Nutcracker has a slight twist. Instead of being set in Germany, this version is set in the North Eastern United States.

Mr. Galvez, who is Cuban-born, said he wanted to show his passion for America in the production.

"I love the music and the history of the (Nutcracker) ballet and I wanted to bring that history to the United States. I wanted to make the history more sentimental to touch the hearts of the audience," said Mr. Galvez.

The first act of the ballet, which includes the party scene, is where the audience will see the changes, said Mr. Galvez.

Costumes reflect the fashions of early 19th century America, with men dressed in tuxedos and the little boys and girls dressed up as cowboys and cowgirls.

Mr. Galvez retained the original music, but if the audience listens closely, they will hear some bluegrass instruments joining in.

"That's something we added when I worked in Kentucky. The Lexington Symphony Orchestra preformed the music and I asked them to include some bluegrass instruments. You can't get more American than that," he said.

Dancers in the second act will be dressed in red, white and blue to create a unifying theme, said Lucia Montero, Mr. Galvez's wife, and dancing coach at the school.

"Our production is beautiful and magical," said Ms. Montero. "Frank has been able to tell this story very easily and makes it enjoyable not only for ballet lovers, but for the ones seeing it for the first time."

Sixty dancers, from those as young as 7 years old to adults, will dance in the ballet.

Daliania Guiterrez, 13, will play the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, a role danced by her mother, Ms. Montero, in the inaugural performance 15 years ago.

The dance company has been preparing for this performance since August, Ms. Montero said.

"We are very proud of our student dancers. They look just like professionals and we are excited and confident that the show will take the audience's breath away."

Three performances of "The American Nutcracker" are scheduled at the Cocoa Village Playhouse.

Show times are Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for children 12 years old and younger, $20 for seniors and students and $22 for adults.

Tickets are available at the Cocoa Village Playhouse box office, 300 Brevard Ave., Cocoa.

For information, call (321) 636-5050.