Ballet Austin's THE NUTCRACKER Now Playing

Whether a first-timer or seasoned fan, you are in for a fabulous treat with the 51st annual production of The Nutcracker - Austin's premier holiday tradition. This season, Artistic Director Stephen Mills' acclaimed choreography and the beloved tale are enhanced by the World Premiere of spectacular new sets and costume designs.

The vision that Mills brings to life each year is fully realized with this stunning production. The characters and moments you love are more colorful and enchanting than ever and are set against fabulously imaginative new backdrops! Be the first to see this decade-long labor of love come to full fruition.

THE NUTCRACKER SETS

Elegant pastels are the hallmark of whimsical and wonderful new sets. Designed to provide deliberately contrasting backdrops for the dancers, they help give the audience an even greater appreciation for Mills' choreography.

Holly Highfill's exquisite scenic work has been commissioned for ballets, operas, and theatrical presentations throughout the country. In addition to Ms. Highfill's ability to combine an exacting attention to historical detail with a sense of visual magic, she has designed and painted murals and other artwork for several large museums.

The extravagant new costumes are an exquisite feast for the eyes; each meticulously researched and reimagined to reflect the authentic dress of 1800s Western Europe, where E.T.A. Hoffmann's original story is set. Vibrant pops of color and rich textures heighten the visual experience of The Nutcracker's elaborate pageantry.

Judanna Lynn's costume designs grace the stages of most of the major dance companies in the United States, including San Francisco Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Alvin Ailey among others. Her elaborate designs for Ballet Austin's production of The Nutcracker are being constructed in London. Ms. Lynn was a former dancer with the San Francisco Opera Ballet and former resident costume designer of The Julliard School.

Tickets to Ballet Austin's The Nutcracker are now on sale and start at $15! To purchase, call Ballet Austin's Box Office at 512.476.2163 or visit balletaustin.org

SUPPORTING EVENTS

Family Dance Workshop - The Nutcracker
Sun Nov 10, 2:30 - 3:45pm & 4:30 - 5:45pm
Ballet Austin's AustinVentures StudioTheater

See excerpts from Austin's Holiday Tradition, Ballet Austin's The Nutcracker, and create your own choreography with the help of Ballet Austin dancers. Recommended for children ages 3 to 12 years old and their family members. Learn more or sign up.

Studio Spotlight - The Nutcracker
Thurs Nov 21, 2013
12 - 1pm or 6 - 7pm
Ballet Austin's AustinVentures StudioTheater

Watch a professional Dance Company in action! Up-close, personal, and informal, Studio Spotlight gives guests a behind-the-scenes look at choreography and elements from the upcoming production while it is still in the works. This is the perfect lunchtime break or happy hour activity. Free admission for those who RSVP. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Learn more or sign up.

Footlights - The Nutcracker
One hour prior to all performances Dec 7-23
The Long Center

Ticket holders can enhance their ballet experience with a pre-show lecture and Q&A for all ages. See the last-minute preparations unfold in the background as you relax and gain a unique understanding of the performance you are about to see. Learn more.

ABOUT BALLET AUSTIN

As distinctive and dynamic as the city it calls home, Ballet Austin welcomes audiences near and far to participate in its "classically innovative" vision for the democratization of dance. With a rich history spanning five decades, acclaimed productions, a commitment to creating access to programs and one of the nation's largest classical ballet academies, the organization is poised for an even greater future. From their home at the Butler Dance Education Center in downtown Austin, Ballet Austin and Artistic Director Stephen Mills actively engage the community, dancers, and audiences alike. The New York Times proclaims Ballet Austin "a company with big ambitions" originating work that is "absorbing."

To post a comment, you must register and login.