Why Do We Offer Nutcracker?

You’ve probably heard us talk about Nutcracker, but how do you know if joining the Nutcracker is the right path for your child?

First, it’s important to remember that we believe dance is invaluable to ALL of our students, no matter how many classes they take! 

The Nutcracker's purpose is grounded in our mission to provide an increasingly comprehensive training for those who want a deeper ballet experience.  And while there are many reasons why we’ve chosen to offer the Nutcracker, we can sum them all up within these three overarching objectives:

1. Training with the benefits of performance.

Because dancers participate in additional classes, rehearsals, and performances at an intensive level, our Nutcracker dancers are spending many hours honing their technique and skills.  Even more importantly, they are also developing their artistry, establishing their commitment, growing their resilience, practicing their sportsmanship, and building their teamwork skills.  Through these character qualities, they are forming lifelong habits and learning how to cultivate a forward-thinking, positive mindset.

2. Working on goals bigger than yourself.

As part of a group, each Nutcracker member is learning to contribute to a larger purpose – to raise everyone’s potential.  That purpose starts out with learning choreography together and then shifts into “practicing and polishing” mode, striving for excellence so that when the performance event arrives, everyone on the team is contributing their best effort.  While solos are special, it doesn’t compare to the feelings that come with dancing your heart out with a corps of fellow cast members while they do the same.

3. Preparing to possibly pursue dance in the future.

The in-depth focus on dance that our Nutcracker offers serves as a platform for our students to consider pursuing dance long-term.  They might think about pursuing a professional performance career, studying dance in college, or exploring teaching or choreography.  Dance-related careers may pique their interest too, such as photography, journalism, and physical therapy.  Being immersed in dance at a young age not only inspires our students to think about the future, it shapes their curiosity about which educational direction might be right for them. Exposure to the music of Tchaikovsky, the Russian culture behind the story and the history of the ballet enriches your child's overall education and exposure to the arts.