The Nutcracker: A Beloved Holiday Tradition at LPAC

For over two decades, the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC) has embraced the holiday season with its cherished tradition of hosting The Nutcracker. This year, the magic returns with a special performance by the acclaimed Joffrey Ballet School on Sunday, December 15, at 4 p.m., in LPAC’s Mainstage Theater.

The Joffrey Ballet School’s Children and Youth program will present a one-hour adaptation of The Nutcracker, masterfully tailored for school-aged children and their families. Guided by Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, this production brings to life Clara’s brave quest to break the wicked spell cast upon the Nutcracker Prince. With stunning choreography and dazzling costumes, the performance is a feast for the senses, celebrating the talent of young dancers in collaboration with the Ballet Trainee Program.

“You will be captivated by the choreography, enchanted by the costumes, and moved by the music of this beloved classic,” said Evelyn Lowmark, Interim Executive Director of LPAC. “After the performance, families are invited to Santa’s Toyland, where children can meet Santa Claus and receive a special gift. Our professional theater production team transforms the Little Theater into a magical holiday space. The Nutcracker and Visit to Santa’s Toyland is a family favorite, with many returning year after year.”

A Partnership with a Legacy in Dance Education

The partnership with the Joffrey Ballet School further elevates LPAC’s holiday tradition. Founded in 1953 by Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, the Joffrey Ballet School has been a cornerstone of American dance education for over 60 years. Its graduates have graced the stages of major ballet companies and contemporary troupes around the world.

The school offers diverse programming, including pre-professional training, after-school programs, summer intensives, and open classes for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Their renowned Trainee program provides a comprehensive curriculum for dancers aged 13 to 25, offering two tracks: Ballet and Jazz & Contemporary Dance. Students immerse themselves in genres like classical ballet, contemporary dance, hip-hop, choreography, and more, guided by a curriculum enriched with live musical accompaniment and workshops from guest faculty.

Beyond its year-round programs, the Joffrey Ballet School hosts summer dance intensives across the United States and abroad, drawing talent from all corners of the globe. With offerings in classical ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and musical theater, these intensives exemplify the school’s commitment to fostering creativity and technical excellence.

A Magical Evening for All Ages

As the young dancers of the Joffrey Ballet School take the stage at LPAC, they bring with them a legacy of discipline, passion, and artistry. Their performance of The Nutcracker promises to be an unforgettable experience for both the performers and the audience, capturing the spirit of the holiday season.

After the curtain falls, the magic continues with a visit to Santa’s Toyland—a whimsical retreat where children can meet Santa and receive a special holiday treat. This event encapsulates the joy and wonder that LPAC’s holiday traditions bring to the community.

Let’s create memories that will last a lifetime, one pirouette at a time.