A holiday favorite returned to Chester County on Saturday as Brandywine Ballet hosted the second of two annual Nutcracker Teas.  The pre-performance fundraiser, held at West Chester's Philips Memorial Library, offered children the chance to meet Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy and other beloved characters from The Nutcracker.

Guests enjoyed the magic and merriment of the classic holiday story in person prior to an afternoon performance of the George Balanchine classic held at the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall.  Children in fancy dress, often carrying equally well-attired dolls, gathered to hear the story of The Nutcracker read aloud and to pose for photographs with their favorite characters.

Organized by the Brandywine Ballet Company Auxiliary, an organization primarily of dancers' parents who volunteer to raise money for the Ballet, this year's teas attracted 113 attendees.  In addition to enjoying tea sandwiches, holiday cookies and sparkly party favors, guests had the opportunity to purchase bejeweled ballet slippers signed by performers and participate in a raffle featuring gingerbread houses.  The event, now in its third year, raised more than $1,200 for the dance troupe.

Established by Founding Artistic Director Donna Muzio in 1979, Brandywine Ballet presents performances featuring both pre-professional and professional dancers, as well as guest artists.  "The professionalism, hard work and discipline of the Ballet is amazing," noted Linda Valdiserri, who co-chairs the Auxiliary with Jennifer Yasick.

Mrs. Valdiserri, whose 16-year-old daughter, Christie, is one of the Ballet's pre-professional dancers, praised the Brandywine Ballet for bringing the region such high quality dance training and performances.  She noted that friends who attended The Nutcracker were "amazed that they could find something like this in Chester County."

Brandywine Ballet returns to the stage in April with Classical & Contemporary Repertoire.

For further information on Brandywine Ballet, including upcoming performances and tickets, visit www.brandywineballet.com or call 610-696-2711.

A native of Chester County and a veteran of the region's society scene, Lily Williams will be covering society events for Chester, Delaware and parts of Montgomery Counties.  If you would like to suggest events for coverage by Socialite, email socialitelily@aol.com.