2023 welcomes the second region-inclusive cast to tell the story of Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker as they battle the Mouse King and his army of menacing mice before venturing to the land of sweets. Through this uniquely fun narrative ballet,
Moscow Movement Arts Center offers dance and performance education to the community. There are opportunities to perform alongside other dance-lovers, to contribute to design elements and production, to learn about the history of this over 100 year old story and its ties to commedia dell'arte, and to come together to experience this traditional holiday production. Our 2022 cast raged from ages four through adult and welcomed experienced and novice movers who embodied numerous imaginative roles such as life-sized toys, mischievous mice, the jolly polichinelles, the graceful oryx, and so much more!

Sugar Plum Fairy

Grandma Stahlbaum

Columbine Doll
Polaris
The Baker

Candy Cane Maker

Maids

Harlequin Dolls

Soldier Dolls

Lead Roses

Lead Snowflakes
Mr. & Mrs. Stahlbaum

Flower Buds (5)

Drummer Dolls (4)

Under-the-Tree Gifts (4)
Snow Flurries (8)

Toy Soldiers (4)

Toy Soldiers (4)

Candy Canes (6)
Carnations (6)

Snowflakes (8)

Party Parents (10)

Oryx (7)

The Nutcracker also serves as Moscow Movement Arts Center's winter performance for all registered dancers and thus specific roles are reserved for MMAC students as they rehearse during class throughout the week. To be cast in one of the following roles, a dancer must be enrolled in the corresponding class (no audition is required).

Pre-Ballet: Toy Soldiers, ACT I

Primary Ballet: Polichinelles, ACT I

Ballet 1 Technique: Party Children, ACT I
Ballet 2 Technique: Flowers, ACT II

Contemporary Jazz 1: Minion Mice, ACT I

The Nutcracker, Russian Shchelkunchik, made its world premiere in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1892 and is the last of Pyotr Tchaikovsky's three ballets. The story of The Nutcracker is loosely based on the E.T.A. Hoffmann fantasy story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, about a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King. Hoffmann’s story is darker and more troubling than the version that reached the stage; the Imperial Russian Ballet choreographer Marius Petipa chose to follow a light adaptation of the story written by Alexandre Dumas père. The ballet’s big success still lay in the future–during the Cold War, when the Russian ballet, thanks to a Russian choreographer, became an American Christmas tradition. George Balanchine, helped make the ballet popular in North America. during his success in the early 20th century. Balanchine had been working in ballet in the United States for many years when his company, Ballet Society, performed a version of the Nutcracker in New York in 1955 that became the template and inspiration for all versions performed across North America in the decades since.

What on earth is a "polichinelle"?

French for the Commedia dell'arte character Pulcinella. Click to learn more.

Do I need to be an MMAC student to audition/be cast?

You do not need to be a student at Moscow Movement Arts Center in order to participate--all are welcome! Any interested participant has a multitude of ways available in order to get involved. Whether you are a student in our classes throughout the week or not, if you have a curiosity and/or a desire to join us--welcome, welcome!

Do you allow double-casting?

With over 50 available roles (!), it is possible to be double cast. You are not required to be double cast, but if you are a performer at heart and have an interest in performing in both acts--let us know!

Do I need to attend all rehearsals?

Attendance at rehearsals is vital for the individual dancer. It is the time in which repertoire is learned, committed to memory, and polished it with fellow cast-mates. When a dancer misses rehearsal, it not only puts them at a disadvantage, but it has an impact on their fellow dancers. It is therefore extremely important that dancers attend all scheduled rehearsals.

Does it cost money?

There is no fee to audition, there is a participation fee once cast. Participation Fees are dedicated to the purchasing and maintenance of costumes, venue rental, run crew, etc. For those seeking to offset the cost of performing, we offer financial assistance as detailed below.

Is there financial assistance?

Yes! Inclusivity and accessibility are at the forefront of our value system at MMAC, so it is important to us to offer alternative avenues that enable participation while easing financial stress.
Work/Study Scholarship A discounted performance fee of $45 is assessed in combination with volunteer support duties.
In 2022, we were blessed to be able to offer several full scholarships and hope to repeat this with the support of our fundraising efforts this fall, 2023. 

How 1950's America Shaped The Nutcracker

Britannica-The Nutcracker

10 Ways to Tell if Your Nutcracker is Traditional

Boston Ballet's The Making of Mother Ginger

2022 was made possible by the generosity of our incredible sponsors:

Contact us to become a sponsor for next season!