Make Springfield Ballet’s The Nutcracker a Holiday Tradition

As the lights dim and the orchestra begins to play, families settle into their seats, ready to watch The Nutcracker—a joyful holiday tradition at the Springfield Ballet. 

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The Nutcracker is more than just a performance for the Springfield Ballet and the community—it’s an opportunity for children and adults to come together, be part of something special and share the joy of the holiday season. Each year, Springfield Ballet’s production offers viewers a magical experience both on and off the stage.

The ballet, founded in 1976 as Springfield Civic Ballet, Inc., is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the art of ballet through education, performance, outreach and collaboration. The organization produces two full-length ballets each season at the historic Landers Theatre and operates a ballet school for students ages 2 through adult.

The Nutcracker is one of those shows that is a cherished holiday tradition for both the Springfield community and the dancers’ families. “For example, the Houck family has been an integral part of The Nutcracker for decades, with both children and parents contributing to the magic on stage and behind the scenes,” says Abigail Lind, Executive Director at Springfield Ballet. “What truly makes Springfield Ballet’s The Nutcracker special is the close-knit community we foster during the production process. Our dancers dedicate themselves not only to fine-tuning their individual roles but also to supporting one another.”

You Can Get Your Photo Taken with the Dancers

One thing is certain: Once you see The Nutcracker, you’ll want to make it a holiday tradition. Rebecca Anderson grew up dancing at Springfield Ballet and seeing The Nutcracker with her mother every year, making it a favorite tradition for them both. “Ever since I was a little girl, and now I’m in my 30s, we go to The Nutcracker every single year together,” Anderson says. 

As an audience member, you can expect timeless music, beautiful choreography, storytelling and stunning costumes. Expect to stay after the show to take photos with the characters from the stage. “As I watch from behind the scenes, I’m often struck by the excitement of children eagerly awaiting their annual photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy, carrying their own dolls of The Nutcracker characters like Clara, the Nutcracker Prince and even the Mouse King to share in the magic,” Lind says. “For Springfield Ballet, seeing the community embrace The Nutcracker year after year is a reminder of how deeply the arts can connect us, spanning generations and bringing families together.” 

Kids from Around The Ozarks Can Get Involved

This year, Springfield Ballet’s open auditions brought in an impressive 106 aspiring performers, resulting in a cast of 121 community members ready to hit the stage. The cast includes 99 Springfield Ballet dancers, seven students from other schools or studios, four professional guest artists (two Sugar Plum Fairies and two Cavaliers), one guest artist playing Uncle Drosselmeyer and 10 adult volunteer dancers portraying Party Scene parents.

Springfield Ballet Bussed Students in to Watch The Nutcracker

Last year, Springfield Ballet provided transportation for 1,960 students to performances of The Nutcracker and Alice in Wonderland, with attendance roughly split between the two productions. Plus, through their Dance Chance program and partnerships with Summit and Arc of the Ozarks, 416 vouchers were redeemed, allowing even more people to enjoy the performances. In an exciting first, Springfield Ballet streamed The Nutcracker to the Cox Pediatric Intensive Care unit, and this year, they’re aiming to bring that joy to local senior facilities as well.

Interested? Here’s How You Can Get Involved

Those interested in performing with Springfield Ballet should follow the organization on social media for updates on upcoming open auditions. This spring, Springfield Ballet will present a mixed bill featuring Peter and the Wolf, original contemporary ballet pieces and an excerpt from Swan Lake.

Tickets can be purchased online for those wanting to attend a performance. Patron and season tickets are available now, as well as single tickets. Note that tickets are sold exclusively through the box office at Landers Theatre.