Lone Star College-University Park presented a whimsical, enchanting event, Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy, Sunday (Dec. 4) on campus. The afternoon holiday tea and ballet performance drew nearly 100 children and adults to the community event.

“We heard wonderful reviews by those who attended, and it was our privilege to have our neighbors and friends on campus. This is just one way that we give back as this community’s college while letting the public know more about extraordinary fine-arts programming and classes that we offer,” said LSC-University Park President Shah Ardalan.

The afternoon event featured dancers from the Houston Dance Theatre under the direction of Angela Jackson. They performed excerpts from “The Nutcracker” after children and adults had enjoyed whimsical sweets and holiday, tea treats prepared by Klein ISD culinary arts students. It was the second year for the event that filled the college’s largest multi-purpose space.

“We are so fortunate to have strong partnerships that allowed the event to exceed our guests’ expectations,” said Lisa Hill, interim dean of Liberal Arts at LSC-University Park. “Young dancers from the Houston Dance Theater piqued youngsters’ imaginations with colorful costumes, and many saw the magic of ballet for the first time. Holiday cookies, tea sandwiches and petit fours that were carefully crafted by culinary students from Klein Forest High School, under the direction of Chef Jennifer Rodgers, helped create a memorable experience.”

Faculty & staff members from LSC-University Park helped make the event memorable. Developmental English Professor Suzanne Weatherly read excerpts from the holiday classic between the dance scenes and Sandra Salstrom, who also serves as an adjunct music faculty member, played the harp during the tea. Guests also enjoyed opportunities for group photos.