Nashville’s Nutcracker by Nashville Ballet TPAC Runs through December 26

Nashville’s Nutcracker returns to TPAC with a reimagined story set against the city's history. Enjoy live music by the Nashville Symphony and a magical holiday experience for all ages.

(l-r) See Claudia Monja as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Imani Sailers as the Dew Drop Fairy, and Jaison McClendon as the Nutcracker Prince in Nashville’s Nutcracker at TPAC.

Nashville’s Nutcracker has returned to TPAC’s Jackson Hall. Deemed Music City’s favorite holiday tradition, this year’s production will once again feature the beloved, unique-to-Nashville story, plus live music by the Nashville Symphony.

Embark on a magical journey this holiday season with Paul Vasterling’s Nashville’s Nutcracker, a cherished tradition that brings together history, magic, and dance. Winner of a 2020 Emmy Award-winning film and named the best Dance Production of 2022 by Broadway World Nashville, this is Nashville’s can’t-miss holiday event. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant city, this performance invites audiences of all ages to revel in the splendor of the Sugar Plum Fairy’s kingdom, the fierceness of the Mouse King, and the timeless adventure of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. Experience the joy and wonder of this classic tale reimagined, capturing the heart and spirit of Nashville with live music by The Nashville Symphony. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of music, dance, and storytelling that embodies the magic of the holidays.

“When I created this ballet, I wanted to make it something unique to our community- something we could be proud of,” shared Nashville Ballet Artistic Director Paul Vasterling. “Over the years, it’s become so much more than that. It’s a tradition our dancers look forward to, an experience we share with family and friends, and most of all, an opportunity for us all to come together to celebrate the magic of the holidays and the beauty of dance.”

Inspired by the 1897 Centennial Exposition, Nashville’s Nutcracker showcases the unique history and cultural innovation of Music City. The performance begins with Clara and her Uncle Drosselmeyer at the Exposition, where they experience inventions from across the globe and see the beloved Nutcracker for the first time. Along with the iconic land of sweets and sugar plum fairies, several Nashville treasures are featured throughout the performance, including Centennial Park and the Belle Meade Mansion.

Nashville’s Nutcracker will feature Nashville Ballet company dancers, the artists of NB2, a youth cast of students from School of Nashville Ballet, Rejoice School of Ballet, and the Hispanic Family Foundation, and live music by the Nashville Symphony. A complete holiday experience, guests will also be able to enjoy several pre-performance activities, including a commemorative photo booth, meet and greets with characters from the production, and story times hosted by Nashville Ballet teaching artists. Nashville’s Nutcracker is sponsored in part by the Tennessee Titans.

For more information, please visit nashvilleballet.com. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased there.

Nashville Ballet is the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee. Nashville Ballet presents a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works by noted choreographers, including original works by Artistic Director Paul Vasterling. Nashville Ballet and the second company, NB2 (a pre-professional training company), provide more than 55,000 arts experiences to adults and children annually through virtual and in-person season performances and its Community Engagement programming. Curriculum-based Community Engagement programs bring dance education to community centers, colleges, public libraries, and public elementary, middle, and high schools across the state. School of Nashville Ballet brings world-class dance instruction to students ages 2 and up. To learn more about Nashville Ballet, please visit: nashvilleballet.com.

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