Ballet Hartford Presents “The Nutcracker: Short and Suite”

Ballet Hartford, Connecticut's leading ballet company, will return to the Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown to present The Nutcracker: Short and Suite on Sunday, November 24, 2024. This performance is part of the company's exciting fall season, which features a range of innovative productions across central Connecticut.

Audiences can choose from a selection of four performances scheduled throughout the day, with showtimes at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

This abbreviated version of the holiday classic offers a magical experience for all ages. Audiences will journey with Clara as she's swept away to the Land of Sweets, experiencing the wonder and beauty of this timeless story in a unique setting.

"We're thrilled to bring this enchanting performance to the historic Wadsworth Mansion," said Leyna Doran, Executive Director of Ballet Hartford. "It's a perfect opportunity for families to experience the magic of Nutcracker in a stunning setting. The range of ballet performances this fall has something for everyone."

The event will feature:

• The wondrous performance of The Nutcracker: Short and Suite

• Holiday activities including cookies, hot cocoa, and ballerina crafts

• Meet-and-greet photo opportunities with dancers, including the Sugar Plum Fairy

• A Ballet Hartford boutique

Guests are encouraged to wear their holiday best for this festive occasion, adding to the magical atmosphere of the performance.

This production is part of Ballet Hartford's commitment to bringing ballet to non-traditional spaces, providing intimate performances that offer audiences a truly unique experience. The Wadsworth Mansion's historic setting enhances the enchanting nature of the holiday performance, creating a memorable event for attendees of all ages.

Under the artistic direction of Claire Kretzschmar, former New York City Ballet Soloist, Ballet Hartford continues to blend tradition with innovation. "This ballet season is a celebration of movement and storytelling," says Kretzschmar. "Each piece blends tradition with innovation. I hope that audiences can experience the unique and enduring power of dance to connect and inspire."

Next month, Ballet Hartford embarks on its most extensive tour to date, with holiday season performances in New York City, Philadelphia and Winston-Salem, North Carolina in December. That is preceded by a November 30 performance of A Ceremony of Carols at the Hoffman Auditorium on the campus of the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford.

Tickets for the performance at the Wadsworth Mansion, priced at $45 for general admission, are available at www.ballethartford.com. More information of the entire fall season, and the multi-state tour, can also be seen on the Ballet Hartford website.