Olympic Ballet Theatre (OBT) is opening its 32nd Performance Season with “A Classical Evening,” an Arts Crush Festival free night event hosted by the Edmonds Center for the Arts at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12.

Showcased in the mixed repertoire performance will be excerpts from the greatest classical ballets, including Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, and others.  This is an admission-free performance; please arrive early as seating is open, not reserved.

Then, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, OBT will hold its annual Beaux Arts Dinner & Auction at the Nile Club.

Enjoy an elegant gala preview of OBT's 2012-13 Performance Season, an array of unique live and silent auction items, exquisite  cuisine and wine, all while supporting Snohomish County's premiere ballet company.

Individual admission to the event is $75, or sponsor a table of 8 for $500.  Donation items for the auction are greatly appreciated.  For more information or to request an invitation, please call 425-774-7570 or email dance@olympicballet.com.

In December, performances of OBT's treasured holiday classic, The Nutcracker, run for three weekends in Arlington, Edmonds, and Everett from Dec. 7-23.

A family-favored Christmas tradition, performances take you through Clara's adventure with her Nutcracker, complete with a grueling battle between the Nutcracker, with his army of courageous toy soldiers, and the Mouse King, with his menacing brigade of mice; a glittering flurry of dancing snowflakes; and on into the magical Land of the Sweets.

School group abridged matinees with OBT's trademark "Introduction the Magic of Theatre" will be offered in Arlington and Edmonds.

In spring of 2013, OBT will restage Giselle, one of the most revered classical ballets of all time.

Audiences never tire of the hauntingly beautiful 19th century romantic ballet with its cherished time-honored story of true love and forgiveness.

OBT dancers will showcase technical expertise, exquisite beauty and romantic depth in their performances of Giselle in Everett, April 14, and Edmonds, April 21.

Olympic Ballet Theatre, based in Edmonds, under the Artistic Direction of Oleg Gorboulev and Mara Vinson, both former leading artists of Pacific Northwest Ballet, OBT and its affiliated school, Olympic Ballet School, are flourishing arts organizations, recognized for professional quality productions throughout Snohomish County.

OBT is seeking community members who have a passion for ballet to join the board of directors.  Please email oleg@olympicballet.com if you are interested in supporting Snohomish County's premiere ballet company.

To purchase tickets to all Olympic Ballet Theatre’s productions, please visit www.olympicballet.com.  Or call:  425-744-7570.