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TCB’s A Minnesota Nutcracker is Back – More Minnesotan than Ever

The beloved holiday classic with a Minnesota twist returns to Ames Center this December! New this year, TCB is excited to premiere its Minnesota-focused vision for the Mother Ginger dance, which features a custom-designed and built Mississippi Riverboat. This addition continues the vision of TCB to center the story in Minnesota while maintaining the essential traditions and music many love. The result is a fresh, vibrant, and monumentally Minnesota take on the beloved holiday classic. 

Deemed one of the 12 essential holiday events by MPR, A Minnesota Nutcracker is delightful entertainment for the whole family! 

Twin Cities Ballet’s A Minnesota Nutcracker
Friday, December 8 at 7:00pm
Saturday, December 9 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, December 10 at 1:00pm and 4:30pm

Tickets: Ames Center Box Office or Ticketmaster.com

About Twin Cities Ballet. Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota (TCB) is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional ballet. TCB’s mission is to connect and enrich communities by making ballet approachable, relatable, and fun, through professional and original productions and educational outreach. TCB creates original full-length story ballets as well as more abstract and contemporary works. TCB is also the first ballet company in Minnesota to develop and present Sensory Relaxed performances for families and those with sensory sensitivities, making the art of ballet accessible for many who might not otherwise be able to do so.

These activities are made possible by the voters of Minnesota through an Operating Support grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Beth Gill: Nail Biter

“Everything seems absolutely deliberate but also mysterious [ . . . ] a vivid dream, unexplained but not at all random.”—New York Times Critic’s Pick

Explore ritual and dance through science fiction and ancient myth in acclaimed choreographer Beth Gill’s darkly beautiful new work. Emerging as representations of our collective unconscious, five dancers—including Gill herself—transform a contemporary dance performance into an enigmatic and vital space of connection and loss with a sense of magic and awe. Nail Biter embodies her signature choreographic craft, creating what Dance Magazine calls a “sense of control that doesn’t stifle but rather beckons our curiosity.”

Friday and Saturday, December 8-9 at 8:00pm
Walker commission.
Tickets start at $15. No additional fees.

TU Dance Center: 2023 Winter Showcase

Join us for the TU Dance Winter Showcase at The Southern, featuring CULTIVATE, A Trainee Program and students from Level 4 and 5 of the Pre-Professional Program at The School at TU Dance Center. CULTIVATE will share self-choreographed solos as well as premiere works by local dancer/choreographer and TU Dance alum Anna Pinault and New York-based dancer/choreographer Christopher Ralph. The level 4 and 5 students will perform works by TU Dance Center teaching artist Davente Gilreath and CULTIVATE trainee Gabrielle Abram. Let’s celebrate these inspiring dancers and their artistry and dedication!

December 8 and 9, 2023 at 7:30pm
December 10, 2023 at 2:00pm
30-minute post-show talkbacks will directly follow the Friday, December 8, and Saturday, December 9 performances.

Purchase tickets here!

Nutcracker in Wonderland

Ballet Co.Laboratory’s enchanting twist on a holiday classic returns to the stage! Nutcracker in Wonderland weaves together the magic of two timeless stories, E.T.A. Hoffman’s The Nutcracker and Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.

Jump down the rabbit hole for the most curious adventure. The beloved Tchaikovsky Nutcracker score will take on a new meaning as Clara and Alice join forces to battle the Rat Queen, whirl through the Land of Snowflakes hand-in-hand, and encounter Wonderland residents like the Mad Hatter, mischievous Cheshire Cat, perpetually tardy White Rabbit, and spiteful Queen of Hearts all while discovering themselves.

Choreographed by: Zoé Emilie Henrot
Performed by: The Company of Ballet Co.Laboratory and the students of The School of Ballet Co.Laboratory

December 8-10, 2023
Friday, December 8 at 7:00pm
Saturday, December 9 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, December 10 at 2:00pm

Tickets
Adults: $40
Seniors: $35
Children/Students: $30
Groups of ten or more tickets to the same performance: $35/each

The Nativity

CREO Arts & Dance Conservatory presents The Nativity at the Hopkins High School Main Auditorium, December 9-10, 2023. The show will be performed by The CREO DanceVERVE: Twin Cities.

Choreographed by director Christa Anderson Hill, Elyse DeVries, Brenda Nepsund, and Julia Moser-Hardy, the epic story of our Savior’s birth is told through the drama of dance and narration, featuring ballet and contemporary dance styles. As a familiar narrative unfolds, this production will juxtapose the story of the Lamb of God with the perspective of a little lamb learning the truth of God’s promise. Though the character of the lamb will appeal to young children; his insights about Christ’s genealogy will bring new depth to the story most think they know.

The mission of the CREO DanceVERVE is to teach young dancers to worship the Lord through service, prayer, commitment, and faith. The company is comprised of performers grades 6-12 who perform a wide variety of dance styles. Through participating in the CREO DanceVERVE, young people have an opportunity to grow in faith and express what they have learned through art and dance.

The Nativity runs about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with an intermission, and is appropriate for the whole family. Welcome in the Christmas season of joy with this not-to-be-missed performance!

Saturday, December 9 at 7:00pm
Sunday, December 10 at 2:00pm

Tickets $18-28, available at creodance.com. Discount pricing available for corporate or non-profit groups of 10 or more. Email events@creodance.com for more info.

Rhythm Street Movement’s Who Brought the Humbug?

A holiday favorite fit for the whole family!

Welcome to the ultimate holiday party where the guests are singers, musicians, tap dancers, and beatboxers! Join this vibrant and talented cast in an interactive, inspirational, all-age, fun, funky, feel-good celebration of the holiday season!

The party takes a turn when two of the cast members become beatboxing investigators on the hunt to find who brought the humbug? Join this vibrant and talented cast in an inspirational, all-age, all-inclusive, family-friendly, fun, funky, feel-good celebration of the holiday season!

Tickets
Regular, in-person single tickets are $49 while student/senior tickets are $39.
Audiences are invited to boost their holiday cheer by getting close to the action at a front-row cabaret-style VIP table. VIP tickets will enjoy the performance with a complimentary sparkling drink, macarons from Nikkollette’s Macarons, and a more immersive experience.

Performances
Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 7:30pm
Friday, December 15, 2023 at 7:30pm
Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 2:00pm
Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 7:30pm
Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 1:00pm

Ballet Minnesota: The Nutcracker Origin Story

Ballet Minnesota’s company veterans and apprentices, along with a host of students fill out the roles ranging from the luminary Clara to the youngest dancers as scampering mice and winged angels who seem to float on and off the stage. Enchanted sets further the magic with an adrenaline-filled battle, a fire-breathing dragon, lollipop swings along with Madame Ginger, and gentle snow falling on the corps de ballet at the close of Act I.

To brush up on your knowledge of this holiday classic, we begin on Christmas Eve in the cozy home of a young girl, Clara, her mischievous brother, Fritz, and their family hosting a Christmas party. A latecomer to the party is Clara’s mysterious Godfather Drosselmeyer. Clara’s Godfather presents her with a marvelous gift, a Nutcracker doll.

As Clara drifts asleep that night, the audience is transported into her dream. As Clara tiptoes back to the living room she is met by the life sized and animated Rat King and Nutcracker. A battle then ensues with an army of soldiers in Clara’s living room. After successfully defeating the Rat King, the Nutcracker’s spell is broken, and he becomes Prince once again.

The Nutcracker Prince along with the Snow Queen and Prince, escort Clara into the Kingdom of the Sweets. During this trip, Clara is given a tiara for defeating the Rat King and breaking the Nutcracker’s spell. A beautiful festival ensues and the visit peaks with a grand pas de deax danced by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Clara awakes from her dream and cannot decipher what was real or fake.

Ballet Minnesota’s Returning Male Stars

Ballet Minnesota has three returning male stars for their 35th annual production of The Classic Nutcracker! They are back for good reason. Robert Clearly can be seen as Herr Drosselmeyer for his 25th year in the production! Matthew Halpaus brings his cavalier charm to his second season as the Nutcracker Prince. Lastly, Aaron Davies will return as the Snow Prince. Aaron began dancing in 2003 and has been a company member of Ballet Minnesota since 2012. More than 100 dancers make up the full cast for this holiday classic. Do not miss out on the chance to see beautiful artistry from both the young students and the seasoned professional dancers.

Ballet Minnesota celebrates the holiday season with The Classic Nutcracker. Special guest soloists Nicole Fedorov and Kaitaro Kodama will dance the pas de deux in the signature roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier. The performances take place at the O’Shaughnessy on the campus of St. Catherine University.

Friday, December 15 at 7:00pm
Saturday, December 16 at 2:00pm
Sunday, December 17 at 2:00pm

Tickets
$5-$45 with discounts for seniors and groups.
Visit The O’Shaughnessy’s online box office or call 651-690-6700 to purchase.

Friday, December 15 at 10:30am
A free livestream of a performance will be broadcast to the wider community to provide the ballet experience to those who might not otherwise be able to attend a performance. Register for the livestream with this link.

Hopkins Dance Company – Clara in the City: A Nutcracker Tale

Tickets on sale now for Hopkins Dance Company’s Clara in the City: A Nutcracker Tale.

Saturday, December 16 at 2:00pm and 6:00pm
Sunday, December 17 at 2:00pm and 6:00pm
At Eisenhower Community Center in Hopkins.

Additionally, join us for Visions of Sugarplum to meet the characters in person and dance with them!
Recommended for ages 3-7 years.

Saturday, December 16 at 11:30am

Threads NexGen Youth Dance Project Seeking Ballet and Modern Instructors

Threads NexGen/YDP (Youth Dance Project) is looking to hire ethnically diverse individuals to teach ballet and modern technique classes for upcoming 12-week spring sessions. We seek skilled dance instructors to augment weekly intensive programming that also includes nutrition and embodied movement exploration at Threads Dance Nexus.

NexGen/YDP uses a holistic approach to training future dance artists. The program enables youth to enhance technical skills, explore creativity, and manage stress and trauma in a safe, supportive environment. Students receive high-level training and education from professionals in ballet technique, modern dance technique, embodied movement exploration, and nutrition. We strive to create an equitable and inclusive learning environment where students’ gifts are cultivated and growth opportunities embraced. We seek for diverse learners to be treated with dignity and respect.

NexGen YDP Spring Session: January 22-April 20, 2024
Beginning/Intermediate levels, ages 8-14.
Dates and times TBD, based on availability.

Our Teaching Philosophy
Culturally Relevant — so that dancers of any race or ethnicity feel a sense of belonging.
Trauma-Informed – dance education has the potential to reproduce harm or liberate; we chose liberation!
Anatomically Sound – working safely with the body to keep you dancing longer and stronger.
Inclusive and Equitable – all are welcome and differing needs are acknowledged.
Socially Just – seek to rectify injustice through arts activism.

Candidates must have extensive experience in ballet and/or modern, strong communication skills, experience working with children, and provide informative, engaging, and effective movement instruction reflecting the Dance Nexus philosophy.

Instructors compensated for class hours at a rate of $40/hour. Instructors are welcome to attend Threads Company Class on Mondays or Tuesdays from 9:00-10:30am, as well as rent the studio at a discounted staff rate.

For more information and to apply, please email an introduction and your resume to Angela Ericson at aericson@threadsdance.org.