A Colorado Nutcracker embodies Tchaikovsky’s classical ballet The Nutcracker but with a Colorado Springs historical twist. This story takes place on Christmas Eve in 1907 at the magnificent Glen Eyrie Castle—and seamlessly includes Colorado Springs’ founder, General William J. Palmer, along with electrical genius Nikola Tesla.
True to the 1892 original ballet, the Pikes Peak performance features the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Rat King, The Nutcracker Prince and other magical characters.
“Colorado Ballet Society's Colorado Youth Ballet dancers, alongside several professional guest artists, never cease to amaze audiences and grace the community with this classic story,” says Mia Kay Calabrese, Colorado Ballet Society’s director of operations. “The level of talent amongst our dancers here makes this production a superb and elevated experience for all.”
Music, Dance + Storytelling
Ballet combines visual arts with music, dance and storytelling to create a moving, entertaining and powerful production. Technical skill, physicality and training result in audiences being moved by the fluidity, grace and dramatic visuals. The artform is a transcendent, universal language.
“As Southern Colorado's Dance Leader for over 27 years, Colorado Ballet Society offers a variety of dance styles ... with an emphasis on pre-professional training in a healthy and supportive environment,” says Calabrese. “Many dancers have gone on to professional careers or prestigious collegiate programs in their pursuit of dance after training with Colorado Ballet Society.”
Colorado Youth Ballet consists of over 50 auditioned dancers, ages 10 through 18. The dedicated dancers devote most of their free time out of school for extra training and rehearsals to put on professional-level productions such as A Colorado Nutcracker.
Guest Artists
As mentioned, this year’s performance at the Pikes Peak Center includes some esteemed guest artists.
“This year we have alumni Brayden Lark, now training with European School of Ballet, and guest artist Mayim Stiller, professional dancer with Zikr Dance Ensemble, formerly with Oklahoma City Ballet — both performing alongside our dancers,” says Calabrese. “Rise Christian Performing Arts Choir will be performing during our Winter Scene in a wonderful collaboration with our live orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of the Springs, conducted by Thomas Wilson.”
“The holidays are a great way to connect with family and friends and share special memories,” continues Calabrese. “It is so heartwarming to see how dance brings together our community to share in established holiday traditions or create new ones. Sharing in the joy of these traditions brings on a festive spirit for all.”
Founding Families of the Front Range
This unique rendition of The Nutcracker transports you to a magical world filled with wonder. Join young Clara at the Glen Eyrie Castle as she watches toy soldiers come to life to defend the Nutcracker Prince and the mouse army rally behind its Rat King. Take a ride through a winter wonderland and the magical Land of the Sweets. Be transported to an enchanting Christmas Eve. ‘A Colorado Nutcracker’ highlights the historical characters of the Colorado Springs community, celebrating the inspiring founding families of the Front Range.
The show runs December 17-18.
Colorado Ballet Society: https://www.danceinthesprings.com/
Pikes Peak Center: https://www.pikespeakcenter.com/events/detail/coloradonutcracker24
“It is so heartwarming to see how dance brings together our community to share in established holiday traditions or create new ones."