Underprivileged Green Country Kids Get First Glimpse Of 'The Nutcracker'

Sugar plums are now dancing in lots of kids' heads.

The Tulsa Ballet inspired imaginations on Thursday night, giving needy children an exclusive showing of the Nutcracker.

They were squealing before the show started at the Performing Arts Center. For many of them, this is an introduction to the arts. There's something magical about The Nutcracker, especially when it's your first time.

Underprivileged children were the first to see the annual performance of the Tulsa Ballet's Nutcracker, expected to break records in ticket sales this year.

"We try to identify people who would not have the opportunity to attend otherwise and make this a very special Christmas gift to them," Tulsa Ballet managing director Scott Black said.

Black said this first night of The Nutcracker is his favorite.

"I actually was able to see The Nutcracker when I was a little kid,” Black said. “That's kind of how I fell in love with the arts. I think it's very important for children to be introduced to the arts at an early age."

Boys and girls were treated to milk and cookies before the show, as they dreamed up what the performance would be like. Some of the girls want to become ballerinas themselves.

"I just know that the girl is dreaming about something," one little one said.

Backstage, dancer Erin Pritchard was hoping to inspire the children in the audience.

"It's such a magical experience to see a ballet and especially this one around the holidays,” Pritchard said. “It's a beautiful thing for kids to enjoy… Just to feel the love that they show when they clap at the end and during the performances. They're going to leave with an experience they've never had before."

And it wasn't just kids enjoying tonight's performance. Some adults who couldn't normally afford a ticket also were invited.

Performances are Dec. 12-14 and19-21.