Submitted Photo Advanced dancers with the Rinat Mouzafarov Institute of Dance and Ballet Theater who will perform in “Gloria, the Christmas Angel” are, left to right: front, Annalise Hovde, Ruby Lormejuste, Ali Haas; middle, Linnea Gillis, Clara Withers, Kaydence Klein, Kourtney Klein, Addison Pringle; back, Emma Nathe, Isaac Siembida, Carter Klein, Olivia Christianson, Noah Robson and Haleigh Carr. Photo by Ron Rouse.

An unconventional angel brings new meaning to the Nativity story in a ballet production to take place Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 21 and 22, in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall on the Minot State University campus.

There will be halos, harps and trumpets when students with the Rinat Mouzafarov Institute of Dance and Ballet Theater present “Gloria, the Christmas Angel “ at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

“This is a production people have to see because it will give them hope,” Mouzafarov said.

The studio originally produced the story in 2007 after Tonya Lewis, the studio’s long-time design director, discovered the children’s book, “Gloria, the Christmas Angel.” The book tells of an angel who longs to be selected to announce the birth of Jesus but doesn’t quite conform to the standards of the head angel conducting auditions.

Ruby Lormejuste dances as Gloria in a multi-colored angel robe and red shoes.

Mouzafarov takes the role of head angel, Gabriel, who is frustrated by the misfit angel trying to get an audition.

Mouzafarov said this year’s production will look much different from the 2007 version, with colorful new costumes and new dances. Lewis is back to guide in the design of elaborate costumes, props and the heavenly and earthly stage scenes.

Mouzafarov credited his students’ families for donating their time and skills to create sets and costumes, and he acknowledged community sponsors whose donations are making the work on sets and costumes possible.

The production features dancers from age 3 through adult. Some parents and former studio dancers also will make stage appearances.

Dancers portray a variety of categories of winged angels in the auditions – rainbow, guardian, ministering, common, snow, storm and more. There’s also a battle with a bad angel.

Banished to Earth, Gloria celebrates creation, ministers to people, praises God with the shepherds and sheep and finds the Christ child lying in a Bethlehem manger. Back in Heaven, angels realize Gloria was selected to announce the birth not for her appearance but because she was most worthy.

Mouzafarov said it is a moving story that will leave audiences contemplating the significance of that first Christmas.

Among characters helping tell the story are Noel and Herald, portrayed by Ali Haas and Isaac Siembida, and Joseph and Mary, portrayed by Carter Klein and Ashley Carr. Klein, Siembida and Noah Robson also dance as the Three Kings.

Tickets are available at Artmain, Eckroth Music, the ballet studio or at the door.