b"The Dallas Repertoire Ballet, and its Allen-based Academy ofDanceArts, bringsfourperformancesof TheNutcracker tothestageofthe Charles W.Eisemann Centerfor Performing Artsfrom December 13 to 15. With dancersonpointe for the shows, at 2pm on December 14, a sensory-friendly production returns for a third year,makinga point! Theholidayclassic,designedbyDRB DirectorMeganWillseyBuck-land,tells the story of Clara and her Nutcracker Princeas they fight the Mouse King and his army, dance with snowflakes, and meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and her handsome Cavalier.Theres nothing like it in the area, and to see our guests faces, and know the experience and the memories they are making, is beautiful, said Lara Ross, a DRB parent whose daughters have participated inThe Nutcrackerfor years, she an occupational therapist leading the sensory-friendly experience.Im blessed to be a part of this special production and proud it is a priority for our studio.The Saturday matinee is designed for anyone living with sensory process-ingdisorders and other specialneeds. Service animals are welcome, addi-tional wheelchair seating will be provided,lights and sound in the theater will be adjusted with the theater not as dark as usual and the audio controlled.Dancers will greet guests before the show, and those with masks or head-pieces will introduce themselves without wearing them to reduce any fear. Snacks, toys, and other soothing items are allowed. An open space, be-tween the stage and the audience, will allow for free roaming.Atdanceada.com,a social narrative can be viewed previewing every-thing from how to navigate the parking garage to how costume changes are made, allowing for no surprises. The show was fantastic. It was sweet to see so many getting to do some-thing special with their families, said a mother who has enjoyed the show with her son, who lives with special needs.It was stellar for the guests families as well as for the dancers for whom this was a teaching opportu-nity.In the Eisemann Lobby before the performance, trained volunteers will lead arts and crafts activities and a tactile board for guests to touch cos-tume piecesand the theaters ushers and staff are trained on supporting visitors.There will be a sensory-friendly area with mats, flashlights, and more and aquiet room with weighted blankets and rocking chairs for those needing the peace.We have 133 dancers, 300 costumes, and a production from our hearts, said Kathy Willsey, Executive Director of the Dallas Repertoire Ballet (DRB), founded in 1992.Dancing in the aisles, singing and moving about is what it's all about. Whatever happens, happens and we welcome one and all!To purchase tickets for theFriday, December 13 and 14 performances at 7:30pm, the Sunday, December 15, 2pm matinee, orthe December 14, 2pm sensory-friendly production (discounted pricing for all guests), visit eisemanncenter.com.Editors Note: For more information or details, visitdanceada.com. 56GoodLifeFamilyMag.comNOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2019"