East County youth take center stage in 'Nutcracker' performance

East County youth Kristina Schmidt will help bring the story of “The Nutcracker” to life, as she takes a lead role in the Diane Partington Studio of Classical Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” this weekend.

Kristina will portray the lead character, Clara.

Other East County dancers in the show include: Nicoletta Lanese (Snow Queen), Laura McKenna, Sarah Dill, Jessie Chiang, Danielle Calabrese, Katie Goins, Isabelle Starner, Sofia Atzrodt and Lauren Atzrodt.

Performances will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 16, at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota.

Tickets cost $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 12 and younger.