Crack open the joy this holiday season! Be there as Charlotte Ballet: The Nutcracker premieres at the elegant Belk Theater in North Carolina from December 8th through the 23rd! Clara and the sugarplum fairies are pirouetting their way to the stage once again as they tell this tale of wonder and romance amplified by the artistic direction of Alejandro Cerrudo. Featuring choreography by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, this production revives Tchaikovsky’s classic score with the world-class Charlotte Symphony Orchestra providing live accompaniment all night long. No plans yet for the week before Christmas? One can never go wrong with a traditional winter spectacle such as this! Bring your family to watch the ballet at the Belk Theater located in the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center – one of the most graceful stages in the state, equipped with exceptional acoustics and flawless sight lines. Grab your coats, keep warm, and reserve those seats while you still can!
Charlotte Ballet: The Nutcracker Tickets:
“With strong bodies and personalities, they seem ready to do anything they’re asked.” – The Charlotte Ledger
“Dancers communicated and coordinated. They partnered, interacted, and created beauty together.” – Broadway World
True wonder awaits as Charlotte Ballet: The Nutcracker plays at the Belk Theater from December 8th to December 23rd! Dazzling snowflakes, lively candy canes, and the splendid Land of Sweets will return in Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet, choreographed by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux with live music from the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.
Based in North Carolina, the Charlotte Ballet is a famous repertory dance ensemble that showcases both classic and contemporary performances with the vision of achieving “virtuosity, energy, and artistic excellence for local, statewide, and national audiences.” In 1999, the Arts & Science Council honored the company with the prestigious “Advancement of Excellence Grant” for their consistent quality of professional programming.
The Nutcracker’s plot begins on a snowy Christmas Eve at a lively townhouse party. The local magician Herr Drosselmeyer grants the Stahlbaum children amusing gifts, including a wooden nutcracker for Clara, the oldest child. At midnight, the Nutcracker prince is brought to life, and Clara finds herself in the middle of a feud between mice and tin soldiers and eventually enters the enchanted Land of Sweets, where a festive celebration awaits.
Ready to meet Charlotte Ballet’s dancers? Renowned for their high energy, speed, and precision, these artists can perfectly handle a diverse repertoire, from full-length classical ballets to more contemporary pieces. The current list of main performers includes Isaac Aoki, Raven Barkley, Luke Csordas, Lorenzo Dunton, Ashley Eleby, Isabella Franco, Mario Gonzalez, Ben Ingel, James Kopecky, Rees Launer, Anna Mains, Maurice Mouzon Jr., Oliver Oguma, Remi Okamoto, Anna Owen, Humberto Ramazzina, Samantha Riester, Evelyn Robinson and Shaina Wire.
“The principal pairs were terrific and very well rehearsed.” – The Chautauquan Daily
Moreover, this winter production would not be possible without the contributions of an extraordinary team working behind the scenes. Access the full list of artistic staff below:
- Artistic Director – Alejandro Cerrudo
- Director of Artistic Operations – Yarina Conners
- Rehearsal Director – Alicia Delgadillo
- Rehearsal Director – Ana Lopez
- Production Manager – Aaron Muhl
- Stage Manager – Olivia Ramos
- Technical Director – Paul Swanson
- Head Electrician – Brandy Brogden
- Production Assistant – Jamie Owen
- Costume Shop Manager – Kerri Martinsen
- Wardrobe Supervisor – Tatyana Yarborough
- First Hand – Rosibel Hernandez
Recently, the Globe and Mail sat down with Charlotte Ballet’s Art Director Alejandro Cerrudo to talk about fresh starts, reviews, and the future of North Carolina’s top ballet company. When asked about raising the profile of the group, Cerrudo shared how touring internationally means everything to them.
“Charlotte Ballet has not toured internationally since 1981. It is a great chance to showcase the ballet and to be able to perform Ohad Naharin’s work internationally, I am incredibly proud of our team, from the dancers to the production team. The level of excitement and the way the dancers approach the work made me so proud. And I’m not just saying that because I am the director. I’m very critical. I wouldn’t be talking about this otherwise,” he adds.
Indeed, this holiday season won’t be complete without seeing the annual classic that charmed the world. Consult the schedule to find the perfect time to catch the event with your friends and family:
CHARLOTTE BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER 2023 SCHEDULE
- December 8th, Friday – 7:30 PM
- December 9th, Saturday – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
- December 10th, Sunday – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
- December 14th, Thursday – 7:30 PM
- December 15th, Friday – 7:30 PM
- December 16th, Saturday – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
- December 17th, Sunday – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
- December 20th, Wednesday – 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
- December 21st, Thursday – 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
- December 22nd, Friday – 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
- December 23rd, Saturday – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
For those who wish to subscribe to Charlotte Ballet’s entire ‘23-’24 season, the company offers a range of exclusive benefits. Enjoy the flexibility of free exchanges and priority seating as a perk for Premium, Deluxe, and Director’s Choice level subscribers, ensuring that seats remain consistent year after year. Regardless of the subscription level, all subscribers are guaranteed seating, even for highly popular and sold-out performances hosted in the venue.
At the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, you’ll find the Belk Theatre, the largest venue in the North Carolina complex. Here, viewers can expect the most advanced audio equipment, production & support capabilities, complemented by a grand stage fit for the live spectacle. With a contemporary European horseshoe seating arrangement, the venue stands as the premier setting to witness ballet performance in all its glory. Before they run out, purchase your tickets to Charlotte Ballet: The Nutcracker running from December 8th to the 23rd!