ArtsRevive is bringing one of the most beloved holiday productions to Selma.

The group has received a $7,000 grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts (ASCA) to help bring the Montgomery Ballet Mini-Series 2008-09 to Selma.

On Dec. 4 and 5, the Montgomery Ballet will present “The Nutcracker” at Pickard Auditorium.

There will be three performances – two School Fest matinees and one evening performance.

On Feb, 27, the Montgomery Ballet will present “A Repertoire Dance Concert” at the Larry Striplin Performing Arts Center. There will be one evening performance and one matinee School Fest.

This is an opportunity for more than 2,050 students to see professional ballet performances. In addition, another 1,150 people will be able to attend the evening performances of the two different presentations. This is a rare opportunity for residents of the Black Belt region to see an art form infrequently performed in the area.

ASCA grants are awarded through a multi-faceted competitive review process. This grant signifies that ArtsRevive provides programs of artistic quality, serves the needs of the community and demonstrates high-level administrative standards, as well as enhances the education of students at all levels.

This grant awarded by ASCA is made possible through funding from an annual appropriation from the Alabama State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

This public support enables ArtsRevive to reach new audiences, foster community development, provide the highest quality programming and demonstrate the importance of arts as a component for quality of life in Alabama.