A Holiday Must-See!

It wouldn't be Christmas in Austin without The Nutcracker! Ballet Austin's The Nutcracker is the longest-running production of the seasonal classic in the state of Texas. Austin Ballet's artistic director Stephen Mills' take on this enchanting tale features a cast of hundreds of dancers, including the younger students of Ballet Austin Academy, joining with the main company. Spectacular sets and Mills' choreography of Stephen Mills mean that this work is as fresh and light as ever, and is sure to be a treat for all ages.

As always, the two companies will dance to Tchaikovsky's score as performed by the Austin Symphony Orchestra.

What is The Nutcracker About?

We open on Christmas Eve, in the Stahlbaum house. There are music and presents and food, and the three Stahlbaum children are beside themselves with joy at the wonder of it all. There's danger on the horizon though, heralded by the arrival at the door of local magician Drosselmeyer. He brings bearing gifts for the children, including a wooden nutcracker. This is just the start of an adventure which will lead our characters into a war between mice and gingerbread men and through the Land of Sweets.