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The Classic Nutcracker

Classical Ballet Academy of MN

Ballet Minnesota Productions

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✨ MEET OUR SUGAR PLUM FAIRY! ✨ We are thrilled to

✨ MEET OUR SUGAR PLUM FAIRY! ✨

We are thrilled to welcome Graceanne Pierce to Ballet Minnesota’s “The Classic Nutcracker” as our Sugar Plum Fairy! 🩰

Graceanne Pierce is a freelance ballet and musical theater artist based in New York City. She is a scholarship graduate student of the JKO School at American Ballet Theatre. After graduation she joined the ABT Studio Company where she was a member for two seasons. In 2019 she joined Ballet West. Credits include Balanchine’s Jewels(Emeralds, Rubies, Diamonds), Lauren Lovette’s Le Jeune, Alexei Ratmansky’s The Nutcracker(Snow, Flowers), Marco Pelle’s Carmen(Carmen), and Balanchine’s La Source at the La Scala Opera House in Milan.

In 2022 after branching out into the musical theater world, Graceanne booked the international tour of A Chorus Line where she had the role of Sheila Bryant. The following year she joined the cast of the show Dance Ballerina Dance in Copenhagen. There she had the principal role of Lauren. The show re-premiered and toured Denmark in the winter of 2025. In the 2024, she made her Metropolitan Opera debut in La Forza del Destino as a featured dancer.

We are so excited to have this incredible artist joining us for the holiday season! ✨ Come experience Graceanne as the Sugar Plum Fairy in Ballet Minnesota’s The Classic Nutcracker at The O’Shaughnessy.

📅 Catch Graceanne on:
Saturday, December 19 at 2:00 PM
Saturday , December 19 at 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 20 at 2:00 PM

Join us for a magical holiday tradition and welcome Graceanne to the Ballet Minnesota stage! 🩰✨🎄
Ticket 🎟️ Link in bio!

🎄✨ The magic of The Nutcracker is back! ✨🎄 Bring t

🎄✨ The magic of The Nutcracker is back! ✨🎄
Bring the whole family and experience the wonder, adventure, and timeless magic of Ballet Minnesota’s The Classic Nutcracker! From the dazzling costumes and beautiful dancing to the unforgettable story, it’s a holiday tradition the whole family can enjoy. ❤️

📅 December 19 at 2 PM & 7 PM
📅 December 20 at 2 PM

Make The Nutcracker part of your family’s holiday tradition! 🎟️✨
📸: @emilycharaisphotography

✨ VENUE FEATURE: The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherin

✨ VENUE FEATURE: The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University ✨

For 25 years, The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University has been home to one of Ballet Minnesota’s most beloved holiday traditions The Classic Nutcracker! 🩰🎄

The O’Shaughnessy opened in 1970 and has become one of the Twin Cities’ premier performing arts venues, with its main theater seating up to 1,800 guests.

But for Ballet Minnesota, this stage is more than just a theater its home. ❤️

Generations of dancers have performed here, and countless families have made The Nutcracker at The O’Shaughnessy part of their holiday traditions.

We can’t wait to return home this holiday season and fill the theater with music, dancing and Christmas magic! ✨

📍The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University
🎄 Ballet Minnesota’s The Classic Nutcracker
December 18–20, 2026
Ticket Link in our bio!

🇺🇸 Happy Labor Day from Ballet Minnesota! 🩰 Today,

🇺🇸 Happy Labor Day from Ballet Minnesota! 🩰
Today, we celebrate the dedication, passion, and hard work of the people who make our communities—and the arts—thrive.
From our dancers and choreographers to our musicians, production crews, volunteers, teachers, and everyone working behind the scenes, thank you for all that you do! ❤️
We hope you enjoy a well-deserved day of rest, relaxation, and time with the people you love.
Happy Labor Day! 🇺🇸✨

PC @jaymehalbritter

✨ A Holiday Tradition 38 Years in the Making ✨ For

✨ A Holiday Tradition 38 Years in the Making ✨
For 38 years, Ballet Minnesota has brought the magic of The Nutcracker to Minnesota audiences under the artistic direction of Andrew Rist.
But this isn’t just any Nutcracker.
The Classic Nutcracker is Ballet Minnesota’s full-length production, telling the complete story of Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, the battle with the Mouse King, the journey through the Snow, and the magical Kingdom of Sweets.
From the beautiful choreography and traditional story to the elaborate costumes, memorable characters, and the magic of the second act, this is the Nutcracker audiences have come to know and love as a holiday tradition.
For nearly four decades, families have made The Classic Nutcracker part of their holiday celebrations—and we’re excited to continue that tradition this December.
🎄 December 18–20, 2026
📍 The O’Shaughnessy
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now! Link in bio.
Come experience the magic of Ballet Minnesota’s Classic Nutcracker—a full-length holiday tradition, 38 years in the making. 💕

📸 Emily Charais

✨ TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! ✨ Ballet Minnesota’s 3

✨ TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! ✨

Ballet Minnesota’s 38th Annual The Classic Nutcracker returns to The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine UniversityDecember 18–20!

🎟️ Performance Dates & Times

✨ Friday, December 18 at 10:30 AM — Student Matinee
✨ Saturday, December 19 at 2:00 PM
✨ Saturday, December 19 at 7:00 PM
✨ Sunday, December 20 at 7:00 PM

Looking for tickets to the December 18 Student Matinee? Please call the box office at 651-690-6700 for ticket information and availability.

🎟️ Tickets for the public performances are ON SALE NOW!
Get your tickets and make The Classic Nutcracker part of your holiday!
Link in Bio!!

🎄✨ THE COUNTDOWN IS ON! ✨🎄 Something magical is c

🎄✨ THE COUNTDOWN IS ON! ✨🎄

Something magical is coming…

🩰 Ballet Minnesota’s The Classic Nutcracker returns to The O’Shaughnessy December 18–20, featuring the full-length classic ballet you know and love — PLUS special guest Principal Dancers from New York City! ✨

From Clara’s Christmas Eve to the Battle with the Rat King, the enchanted Snow Forest, and the Kingdom of the Sweets… we’re bringing the magic back to the stage for another unforgettable holiday tradition. ❄️🎄

🎟️ TICKETS GO ON SALE SEPTEMBER 2!

Mark your calendar. Tell your family. Gather your friends.

The Nutcracker is coming.❤️🩰
📸: @emilycharaisphotography

FALL CLASSES ARE COMING! 🍂🩰 The Classical Ballet A

FALL CLASSES ARE COMING! 🍂🩰
The Classical Ballet Academy, the official school of Ballet Minnesota, is welcoming dancers back to the studio this fall! ✨
Fall classes begin September 9!
Whether your dancer is taking their first steps in ballet or continuing to grow their technique and artistry, Classical Ballet Academy provides quality classical ballet training in a supportive and inspiring environment.
And the best part? Students have the opportunity to perform with Ballet Minnesota twice a year! 🩰✨ It’s a wonderful way for dancers to take their training from the studio to the stage and experience the excitement of performing.
📅 Fall Classes Begin: September 9
🩰 Register today: classicalballetacademymn.com
📞 Questions? Call 651-210-0864
Come dance with us this fall! 💕

✨ SAVE THE DATES! ✨ Ballet Minnesota is thrilled t

✨ SAVE THE DATES! ✨
Ballet Minnesota is thrilled to present our 38th Annual The Classic Nutcracker! 🩰🎄
Join Clara, the Nutcracker, and all your favorite characters for a magical holiday tradition!
📅 December 18–20, 2026

🎓 Student Matinee
Friday, December 18 at 10:30 AM

✨ Public Performances
Saturday, December 19 at 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 20 at 2:00 PM

🎟️ Tickets go on sale soon!
Keep your eyes peeled, you won’t want to miss them! 👀✨

Make The Classic Nutcracker part of your holiday tradition with Ballet Minnesota! ❤️
📷: Emily Charais

New look. New season. Big announcements. 👀 Nutcra

New look. New season. Big announcements. 👀

Nutcracker dates. Minnesota Dance Festival dates. Coming soon. ✨

Stay tuned! ❤️

✨ Join Us Tonight at 5:00 PM for an Evening of Dan

✨ Join Us Tonight at 5:00 PM for an Evening of Dance ✨

Spend your evening enjoying an exciting celebration of movement, music, and artistry featuring an incredible lineup of performers and dance organizations.

Tonight’s 5:00 PM performance features:
🩰 Classical Ballet Academy
👞 SoleArte Tap
🌺 Zorongo
✨ Ballet Minnesota
💃 Kala Vandanam
🎭 Flower Festival
🩰 Minnesota Ballet

— INTERMISSION —

🌟 Ballet Minnesota
🎶 CAAM
✨ O’Shea
🌏 Wattanak Dance Troupe
🩰 Ballet Minnesota

From ballet and tap to cultural and contemporary dance, tonight’s program offers something for everyone. We look forward to sharing this special evening with you!

✨ Join Us Saturday at 1:00 PM for an Afternoon of

✨ Join Us Saturday at 1:00 PM for an Afternoon of Dance ✨

Enjoy an inspiring afternoon of performance featuring a vibrant mix of ballet, cultural dance, and contemporary artistry from talented dancers and companies across the community.

Saturday’s 1:00 PM performance features:
🩰 Classical Ballet Academy
🌺 Zorongo
✨ Ballet Minnesota
💃 Kala Vandanam
🎭 Reed CBA
🩰 Minnesota Ballet

— INTERMISSION —

🌟 Ballet Minnesota
💫 Gianna Isaacson
🎶 CAAM
✨ O’Shea
🌏 Wattanak Dance Troupe
🩰 Ballet Minnesota

We look forward to sharing this beautiful afternoon of dance with you!

✨ TOMORROW — Friday 6:00 PM Performance ✨ Join us

✨ TOMORROW — Friday 6:00 PM Performance ✨

Join us this evening for an incredible celebration of dance featuring outstanding local artists and companies!

🩰 Friday Evening Performance
🕕 6:00 PM

Featuring:
• Classical Ballet Academy
• SoleArte Tap
• Ballet Minnesota
• KALA Solo
• Flower Festival at Genzano
• Minnesota Ballet

— INTERMISSION —

• Ballet Minnesota
• Gianna Isaacson
• Zenon
• Wattanak Dance Troupe
• Ballet Minnesota

An evening filled with ballet, tap, contemporary, and cultural dance performances you won’t want to miss! 📸 @minneapolisdancephotographer

🍜 Dine out for dance! 🩰 Join us for a fundraiser n

🍜 Dine out for dance! 🩰
Join us for a fundraiser night at Noodles & Company and support Ballet Minnesota!

📅 May 6, 2026
⏰ 4–8 PM
📍 Midway – 470 Hamline Ave N, St. Paul

✨ 20% of qualifying sales will benefit Ballet Minnesota when you:
• Order online and enter code GIVING20, or
• Dine in and mention Ballet Minnesota

Dinner plans that give back—easy and delicious. Thank you for supporting the arts! 💙

Step into a world of movement and meaning. The 37t

Step into a world of movement and meaning.
The 37th Minnesota Dance Festival by Ballet Minnesota brings together a vibrant tapestry of dance genres and cultural expression, May 8–9.
📸 @minneapolisdancephotographer

✨ Ballet Minnesota presents the 37th Annual Minnes

✨ Ballet Minnesota presents the 37th Annual Minnesota Dance Festival ✨
Join us May 8–9 at E.M. Pearson Theatre at Concordia University in St. Paul for an unforgettable celebration of dance, artistry, and community.
🎟️ Tickets on sale soon — keep your eyes open and wait for the ticket drop. You won’t want to miss this.

Nutcracker 2025 is in the books!🥜 Thank you to eve

Nutcracker 2025 is in the books!🥜 Thank you to everyone who came to support the production💗 Wishing you all a Happy Holiday season!🎄✨

🫢 Stay tuned in for upcoming MDF🤫

🌹💐Waltz of the Flowers💐🌹 Last chance to see this

🌹💐Waltz of the Flowers💐🌹

Last chance to see this beautiful production is today at 2 pm! You don’t want to miss the magic ✨

🎟️ link in bio

Enjoy this video made by Andrew Rist, @arist_cba ,

Enjoy this video made by Andrew Rist, @arist_cba ,of warm-up before a big show. ✨ The dancers put hours of hard work into making this production possible! 🩰

There is still time to grab tickets to shows today at 2pm and 7pm, as well as tomorrow at 2pm!

🎟️ link in bio

🍽️ Dinner for a cause! Support Ballet Minnesota at

🍽️ Dinner for a cause! Support Ballet Minnesota at our Chipotle Fundraiser TODAY ✨
📅 Today, Dec 18 | ⏰ 4–8 PM 📍 Chipotle – 2082 Ford Pkwy, St. Paul 💻 Ordering online? Use code RNHXA6F
25% of orders support Ballet MN — thank you! 🩰

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