For 25 years, Bellevue’s International Ballet Theatre (IBT) has enchanted audiences with its breathtaking production of The Nutcracker, a holiday tradition that shines with artistry, dedication, and community spirit. As IBT celebrates this milestone anniversary, the company invites families to rediscover the beauty of live performance and the devotion that brings it to life.
A Timeless Tradition
Choreographed by Artistic Director and Ballet Master Vera Altunina, IBT’s The Nutcracker stays true to the 1892 Russian classic while infusing it with local spirit and inclusivity. Each December, audiences are transported into Clara’s dream through hand-sewn costumes, Ukrainian-crafted sets, and Tchaikovsky’s lush score. What unfolds on stage is the culmination of months of preparation by dancers, teachers, volunteers, and technical staff, all contributing to the seamless illusion of enchantment.
The Work Behind the Wonder
Rehearsals begin in October, when more than 80 dancers from the International Ballet Academy, some as young as eight years old, commit to a discipline schedule balancing school, classes, and weekly rehearsals. Every pirouette and leap is refined under Ms. Altunina’s clear vision and direction, shaping not only technique but emotional storytelling.
Behind the scenes, costume fittings and late-night sewing sessions reveal another form of choreography, one of precision and care. A small team ensures every tutu, ribbon, and headpiece is performance ready. Guest artists from renowned international companies add prestige and inspiration, while IBT’s production crew manages the intricate coordination of lighting, sets, and stage transitions that bring the story fully to life.
Backstage Magic
What audiences experience as effortless grace is, in truth, an extraordinary collaboration. Backstage, volunteers guide young dancers through quick changes and dark wings. Parents assist quietly, stagehands move sets in seconds, and a sense of shared purpose fills the air. For many, these unseen moments of teamwork and encouragement define the heart of IBT’s The Nutcracker.
Reconnecting in a Digital Age
In today’s technology-driven world, IBT’s The Nutcracker offers families a rare chance to disconnect from screens and reconnect with their senses—and with each other. The dazzling costumes, evocative sets, and breathtaking dance create a shared experience of wonder that inspires imagination and reinforces family bonds. For Bellevue families, it remains a beloved tradition and a reminder of the joy of gathering to experience something truly magical.
The Legacy Lives On
As IBT celebrates its 25th anniversary, the company’s commitment to Bellevue continues to flourish through performances, outreach, and education. Programs like The Giving Barre and INSPIRE make the arts accessible to schools and underrepresented youth, ensuring that ballet’s transformative power reaches every corner of the community.
But perhaps the most enduring magic lies in the unseen, the quiet hours of rehearsal, the laughter backstage, and the unspoken bond among dancers and mentors. For IBT, The Nutcracker is more than a performance; it’s a living tradition that continues to uplift and inspire, year after year.
Experience the Magic
Bellevue Lifestyle readers are warmly invited to experience the artistry, heart, and timeless beauty of The Nutcracker this holiday season. Learn more about International Ballet Theatre’s 25th Anniversary Season and upcoming performances at ibtbellevue.org. Join IBT in celebrating 25 years of magic, community, and holiday tradition!
"For IBT, The Nutcracker is more than a performance; it’s a living tradition that continues to uplift and inspire, year after year."