Whether you are a lifelong patron of the arts or someone who has yet to set foot inside Reynolds Hall, the season of gratitude upon us offers something every Southern Nevadan can appreciate. As the Resident Ballet Company of The Smith Center, Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) fuels our local cultural landscape year-round—blending jaw-dropping athleticism, soaring music, and powerful storytelling that captivates longtime aficionados and first-time theatergoers alike.
President & CEO Beth Barbre reflects on the electric energy live performance brings to our desert home: “The performing arts, including ballet, bring energy, creativity, and connection to our community. We are gratified to see how music and dance bring joy and meaning to our artists, students, and patrons each day. And we also draw new creativity to Las Vegas as a wide variety of artists, performers, designers and educators enrich the cultural fabric of our city."
While beloved holiday traditions like “The Nutcracker” remain an approachable centerpiece for local families, NBT’s full season delivers a dynamic, year-round lineup. From sweeping, full-length classical story ballets to bold, groundbreaking contemporary works and innovative choreography, the company offers a diverse roster of performances designed to thrill audiences of all backgrounds.
"Last year, we obtained the rights to and debuted our new production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, showcasing his extraordinary choreography that has captivated audiences for decades," Beth explains. "We are one of only a handful of ballet companies to perform this historic work and have added new costumes and innovative staging to engage our modern audience. It will continue to be the backbone for annual programming even as it inspires young people for years to come."
Yet NBT’s true impact on Southern Nevada extends far beyond stage lights. Even for those who never attend a formal performance, the organization’s presence is felt across the valley through deep investments in local schools, ensuring our community’s youth have direct access to the creative arts.
"We take constant inspiration from our co-founder and board chair emeritus, Nancy Houssels, and our Board of Trustees, who for 55 years have sustained our vision of changing children’s lives through dance," Beth notes. "We are deeply grateful for the support of our generous Community Education donors whose contributions make it possible for more than 20,000 Clark County students to experience the joy of dance each year through free in-school dance classes, arts programming, and scholarships."
NBT serves as a powerful reminder of what happens when a community champions its culture—enriching the quality of life for everyone in the Valley and inspiring the next generation of Nevada dreamers.
"I envision a future where every child has access to the arts," Beth says. "It is my hope that our brilliant community will continue to support and sustain artistic programming, specifically for youth. When we invest in Nevada’s artistic landscape, we nurture imagination, creativity, and the courage to dream."
Quote 1:
"We are gratified to see how music and dance bring joy and meaning to our artists, students, and patrons each day."
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"It is my hope that our brilliant community will continue to support and sustain artistic programming, specifically for youth."