Each December, the curtain rises at the Topeka Performing Arts Center, and the familiar strains of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker fill the air. Snowflakes swirl, toy soldiers march, and for two enchanting hours, audiences are swept into a world of imagination, tradition, and artistry — brought to life by the Kansas Ballet Company and Academy.
At the heart of this holiday masterpiece stands Alexander Smirnov, co-owner and Artistic Director of Kansas Ballet, who also steps onstage each year as the mysterious Drosselmeyer. Together with his wife and co-founder, Topeka native Stephanie Heston, Smirnov has dedicated his career to nurturing both the technical and emotional artistry of dancers in the region.
“Stephanie and I wanted to create a place where classical ballet training could truly flourish in Topeka,” Smirnov explains. “Our goal was to combine high artistic standards with a genuine sense of community — where every dancer, whether they aspire to a professional career or simply love to dance, feels part of something meaningful.”
The couple’s own careers have spanned the globe — performing, teaching, and choreographing across 20 states and 15 countries. Their shared vision culminated in the founding of Kansas Ballet Company and Academy. From the beginning, they knew The Nutcracker would become a cornerstone of their performance schedule.
“After our first production, the response from the community was overwhelming,” Smirnov recalls. “Families told us it had become their new holiday tradition. That moment made it clear: this was something special we wanted to bring back year after year.”
Today, the production has grown into a full-scale collaboration featuring more than 150 dancers, guest artists, and live accompaniment by the Topeka Symphony Orchestra. Yet despite its size, it retains the warmth and intimacy of a local celebration.
“It’s truly Topeka’s production,” Smirnov says. “We bring together local dancers, musicians, and families who come back year after year. That connection gives the production a heart and authenticity you can feel from the stage.”
For Smirnov, the story’s magic never fades.
“The moment the snow begins to fall in the Snow Scene still takes my breath away,” he admits. “And watching the children’s faces light up when they first step into costume — that’s a joy that never fades.”
Behind the scenes, the months of preparation are a masterclass in discipline and creativity.
“We remind our dancers that ballet isn’t just about steps — it’s about expression, emotion, and connection with the audience,” Smirnov explains. “That’s what makes a performance memorable.”
While the onstage spectacle captivates audiences, Smirnov says the true spirit of Kansas Ballet often shines brightest in small backstage moments — a young dancer whispering cues to a nervous friend, or parents volunteering late into the night to make sure everything runs smoothly.
“Those are the moments that show the true heart of Kansas Ballet,” he says.
As Kansas Ballet continues to grow, Smirnov and Heston remain focused on expanding community access to the arts.
“Our vision is to keep growing our outreach — bringing ballet into more schools, reaching families who may have never experienced live dance, and continuing to provide scholarships for young dancers,” Smirnov says. “We want Kansas Ballet to be a beacon for the arts in Topeka — a place where talent is nurtured, creativity is celebrated, and everyone feels welcome.”
Whether it’s a family’s first Nutcracker or their fiftieth, Kansas Ballet’s annual performance continues to remind audiences — and dancers alike — that a little magic still exists in the world.
For tickets and show times to this year’s production of The Nutcracker, visit www.kansasballet.com.
“Each year we add new elements — choreography, costumes, scenic details — while keeping the heart of the story the same.”