Step behind the scenes of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® in this New York City Center | Studio 5 presentation at GLAZER HALL. This exceptional evening blends live performance with insightful conversation, offering an intimate look at some of the world’s premier dance artists. Take a peek behind the curtain as leaders in the industry reveal the intricate process of bringing these dances to life and explore the brilliance behind Balanchine’s legendary choreography.

Sara Mearns, “one of the most celebrated ballerinas in the world” (The New York Times), brings the piece to life alongside fellow New York City Ballet principal dancer Gilbert Bolden III. Explore the details of this delightful holiday masterpiece, which originally premiered at City Center in 1954. Set to the live accompaniment of Peter Ilyitch Tschaikovsky’s iconic score, this rare experience allows audiences to watch as world class dancers hone their craft live in an unmissable intimate setting.

Explore what made George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, the gold standard of the holiday classic. In addition to blending childhood nostalgia, theatrical scale, and neoclassical choreography, Balanchine, who personally performed the roles of The Nutcracker/Little Prince and Mouse King during his youth with the Mariinsky Theater, infused the staging with deep personal affinity for the material.

ABOUT NEW YORK CITY CENTER | STUDIO 5
This intimate series was founded in 2009 in the same studio where George Balanchine, Alvin Ailey, and Twyla Tharp all honed their craft. Audiences get the unique experience to see the world’s best dance artists up close, featuring live performances and conversations with leaders in the industry.