The School of Classical Ballet and Dance (SCBD), in Gruene Lake Village, has been a cornerstone of the New Braunfels arts community since its founding in 2010. Under the direction of Elizabeth, SCBD’s mission is to "Celebrate children and the arts by bringing the art of dance into the heart of New Braunfels and its families." Classical ballet is at the core of SCBD’s curriculum, but the school also offers tap and jazz, giving students a well-rounded dance education that builds grace, poise, and strength.
In addition to its robust dance programs, SCBD is home to the SCBD Youth Company, a pre-professional classical ballet company that offers young local artists the opportunity to perform in full-scale productions. Over the years, the Youth Company has brought numerous iconic ballets to life, including *The Nutcracker*, *Cinderella*, *Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons*, and an original ballet based on the story of Queen Esther, *Esther*. SCBD’s mission extends beyond perfecting technique; it seeks to instill a deep love of dance and a sense of personal accomplishment in its students.
One of the school’s most cherished annual events is the production of *The Nutcracker*, performed at the New Braunfels Civic Center. This treasured holiday tradition unites the community, bringing families together to celebrate the magic of the season. What makes SCBD’s production of *The Nutcracker* truly special is its cast of over 100 local performers, ages 5 to 21, all of whom are students of SCBD. For many in the community, attending *The Nutcracker* is as much a part of their holiday tradition as Christmas trees and caroling. The 7th season of this production promises to be a highlight of the holiday season, with four performances scheduled for December 20th-22nd.
SCBD’s commitment to the community goes beyond performances. The school encourages students to use their talents to give back by performing for senior citizens at local assisted living facilities and donating tickets to various community organizations. Local businesses also support SCBD through sponsorships and advertisements in the Nutcracker program, enabling the school to offer tickets to families who may not otherwise have the chance to experience a professional ballet performance.
Looking ahead, the School of Classical Ballet and Dance is eager to continue growing its programs and Youth Company, while maintaining its commitment to bringing the art of dance to the New Braunfels community. Be sure to make *The Nutcracker* part of your holiday tradition. Tickets for this year’s performances are available at http://schoolofclassicalballetanddance.com/tickets. Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate the season and support local talent!