Unfortunately, a city of Selma’s size does not get the big plays and the symphonies and guest artists as often as some would like.

However, thanks to groups like ArtsRevive, we have our share of the fine arts for everyone to attend.

An example is today’s performance of the “Nutcracker” by the Montgomery Ballet, a professional troupe from less than an hour away. We’ll also have some surprises as many local dance students will play the parts of mice, soldiers and angels in this production.

Sure, many of us have seen the “Nutcracker.” It’s an annual event in many cities. But there are many in Selma and Dallas County who have not have the opportunity to see ballet or hear the classics or witness a stage play.

Much is said about how bad conditions are in Selma and how rife crime is in the streets. We hear a great deal about racial and class division.

We hear even more about the poor economy and hard times.

These are hard times. But even in the Great Depression actors continued to take their skills on the road and people lined up to hear good music, see good acting, read good books and enjoy good dancing.

Take a break. Enjoy the ballet. Thank members of ArtsRevive for putting all this together.

After all, the arts keep all of us alive.