Birmingham Ballet to stage ‘Mutt-cracker’ on Dec. 15 at BJCC

The Birmingham Ballet has staged “The Mutt-cracker” — a version of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” with dogs performing alongside dancers — every year since 2012, and it’s easy to explain the show’s appeal, according to the ballet’s director, Cindy Free.

“It’s fun for everyone,” Free said. “People love dogs, and they relate to their dogs in a special way, so to see them on stage dancing their roles and having so much fun doing it does touch your heart.”

“The Mutt-cracker” will be at the BJCC Concert Hall, Friday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m., serving as a prelude to the ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” in the same venue Dec. 16-17.

“The Mutt-cracker” will feature “an all-time high” of 33 dogs this year, Free said.

Animal trainer and former dancer Anne-Marie Mitchell helped cast the dogs and create an overall look for the choreography, then helps the dogs and dancers refine their routines, according to Free.

“The Mutt-cracker” has attracted worldwide attention from such outlets as TV’s “Inside Edition,” The Chicago Tribune, USA Today and The (U.K.) Telegraph. 

Tickets range from $25-$45, with all youth tickets $25. For information, call 979-9492 or go to birminghamballet.com.