Madison Ballet is marking a decade of residence at Overture Center with its 2014 production of The Nutcracker, and Saturday evening's performance revealed some changes in both choreography and costumes

Since opening in 2004, the arts venue has also influenced the downtown business climate, enhanced artistic and educational resources for the community, and sparked animated political, financial and social discussions.

Just as there have been thousands of performances at Overture Center in its first decade, patrons and performers have experienced thousands of memorable moments at the venue.

What a thrill, after this bitter winter (and too many dull, formulaic performances by other companies) to see dance that was magical and uplifting.

Madison Ballet closes its 2013-14 season with Repertory II, a program at the Bartell Theatre. It has three works, two from artistic director W. Earle Smith and one from iconic choreographer George Balanchine, and features former New York City Ballet principal dancer Charles Askegard.