The Nutcracker
Why We Perform The Nutcracker Every Year
Each year, our production of The Nutcracker is more than a performance — it is a community tradition that brings people together across generations and celebrates the magic of the holiday season.
First performed in 1892, The Nutcracker has become one of the world’s most beloved ballets. Its timeless score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and enchanting story continue to inspire audiences of all ages. By bringing this classic to the stage each year, we honor a rich artistic legacy while creating new memories for today’s families.
What makes our production especially meaningful is that it is truly a community performance. We proudly open the stage to dancers of all ages and experience levels, with roles available for performers ages 5 to 75. From tiny mice and party children to elegant snowflakes, parents in the ballroom scene, and grand roles in the Land of Sweets, our Nutcracker creates opportunities for everyone to participate. It is a rare and beautiful experience to see multiple generations sharing the same stage — children, teens, adults, and even grandparents — all working together toward a common artistic goal.
For our dancers, The Nutcracker is an invaluable rite of passage. Younger students look up to experienced performers. Adult dancers rediscover the joy of performing. Families rehearse together, volunteer together, and celebrate together. Alumni often return to support the next generation, strengthening the bonds within our dance family and the broader community we serve.
For our audience, this annual tradition marks the beginning of the holiday season. It is a shared experience that brings together neighbors, local businesses, extended families, and first-time theatergoers to celebrate joy, imagination, and the beauty of live performance.
By presenting The Nutcracker each year, we preserve a cherished tradition, provide inclusive performance opportunities for our entire community, and keep the spirit of connection and celebration alive — one magical performance at a time.
Our Process
01 / Auditions
Auditions for The Nutcracker are an exciting and inclusive experience for dancers in our community. Open to performers ages 5 and up, our audition process is designed to be encouraging, organized, and accessible to all levels. Auditions usually happen in August.
02 / Casting and Rehearsals
Casting for The Nutcracker is carefully determined after auditions to ensure each dancer is placed in roles that encourage growth and showcase their strengths.
Rehearsals run from September through December, beginning with weekly practices and increasing as performances approach. It’s a season of dedication, teamwork, and excitement — all leading up to the magic of The Nutcracker.
03 / Production
Performance weekend is the joyful culmination of months of hard work. Our dancers take the stage to share the magic of The Nutcracker with family, friends, and our community — celebrating the holiday season together through the beauty of live ballet.