Nutcracker decorations have become a staple of holiday magic, with roots in the classic tale, The Nutcracker.
This December, Ballet Arkansas’s annual Nutcracker Spectacular will bring the story of the nutcracker to life once again in what has become one of the most anticipated holiday traditions across the state.
In the ballet, a young Clara receives a nutcracker doll as a gift. As she drifts to sleep, her world transforms, taking her away on a wonderful adventure with her nutcracker prince, who has magically sprung to life. Together, they journey through lands filled with whimsical characters and elaborate dancing.
For the 46th year, The Nutcracker Spectacular will welcome nearly 10,000 Arkansans to share the joy of ballet over a single weekend, standing as the third-largest tourism event in the state.
This year, audiences can expect a fresh take on E.T.A. Hoffman’s 208-year-old short story in fascinating ways.
“Ballet Arkansas’s Executive and Artistic Director, Michael Fothergill…skillfully balances the inclusion of a large community cast alongside the company’s professional dancers, creating a rich, neoclassical work that not only captures the festive spirit of the holiday season but also highlights the talents of all performers,” Associate Artistic Director Catherine Fothergill says. “This production is a true celebration of community and artistry, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation to create an unforgettable experience.”
Through The Nutcracker Project, a multi-year initiative focused on enhancing and evolving the show and engaging the community, the ballet is working to ensure that the show “remains a beloved holiday tradition while pushing the boundaries of creativity,” she says.
“These improvements began last season and continue to add greater depth and visual spectacle, giving the audience a more immersive experience while preserving the timeless elements of the story they love.”
The updates include a reimaging and refresh of set designs, visual effects and costumes. The show also will feature a community cast of 283 members from across Arkansas, ranging from ages 6 to 70, both pre-professional and amateur dancers alike, who have rehearsed and trained for 12 weeks leading up to the production. These cast members will dance alongside the 16 members of the professional company, who hail from across the United States.
“Many cast members and their families have been a part of the production for generations, and we love seeing the tradition continue to have our community a part of the fabric of the production,” Catherine says.
The performance will be backdropped by music from beloved local staples such as the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and vocals from Mount Saint Mary Academy Belles and the Bryant High School Choirs Bella Voce.
“The collaboration with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is a key feature that elevates the performance and enhances its emotional impact,” Catherine says.
For those looking to bring a bit of “The Nutcracker” magic home, Ballet Arkansas' Official Nutcracker Boutique offers a trove of holiday treasures, including ornaments, Ballet Arkansas merchandise and nutcrackers.
“It’s the perfect stop for picking up festive souvenirs or holiday gifts,” Catherine says. “The boutique is an extra layer of enchantment to the overall Nutcracker experience for both young attendees and seasoned ballet enthusiasts.”
Even after the holiday season comes to a close, the magic of Ballet Arkansas remains, with more performances slated for the rest of the 2024-2025 season, including February's Romeo & Juliet, with music from The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. April will bring performances of Nouveau and A Midsummer Night’s Dream to the stage.
The Nutcracker Spectacular will run four performances from Dec. 13-15 at the Robinson Center, 426 West Markham Street. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit balletarkansas.org.
“This production is a true celebration of community and artistry, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation to create an unforgettable experience.”