Youth Ballet Celebrates 30th Anniversary Production of The Nutcracker

November 2022 (SILVER SPRING, MD) - Maryland Youth Ballet (MYB) proudly presents the 30th anniversary production of its holiday classic The Nutcracker. The magical full-length ballet, set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, opens on December 16 with performances through December 26 at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center at Montgomery College in Rockville.

In celebration of the 30th Anniversary MYB will return to the choreography originally set by Michelle Lees, Artistic Director Emeritus. Her production of The Nutcracker won several awards over the years and has become a favorite among families in the metropolitan region. “I am very excited to be restaging Michelle Lees’ beautiful version of The Nutcracker,” said current Artistic Director Deidre Byrne. “It is based on the classic story and follows the wondrous journey of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince with challenging choreography for the dancers and magical surprises for the audience”.

MYB will also present The Mini-Nut, an area favorite for young audiences. The Mini-Nut is a delightful abbreviated version of the classic The Nutcracker, designed to introduce children to classical ballet. This version, performed in less than an hour by cast members from MYB’s full-length production, promises to hold the attention of even the youngest theatergoer. Patrons that attend The Mini-Nut on December 10 and 11 will also have the opportunity to greet and take photos with the Sugar Plum Fairy! The Sugar Plum Experience includes a keep-sake photo, special craft, & gift; the perfect holiday treat for the most devoted Nutcracker fans!

MYB dancers began rehearsals for both productions in early October. The cast includes just over 100 students from MYB’s academy. The Nutcracker for most dancers is not only a holiday tradition but also a rite of passage. Students work their way up through the ranks starting as an angel or a mouse and maybe one day dance the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. However, for the past several years, many of the dancers were not able to participate in The Nutcracker due to COVID-19 restrictions, making this year’s production the first Nutcracker for many members of the cast. Byrne stated “we are thrilled to be able to once again bring The Nutcracker to the stage both for our dancers as well as our community, and hope families make it part of their holiday traditions this year.”

The Nutcracker, Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, 51 Mannakee St. Rockville, MD
FRI, DEC 16 at 7:00 pm
SAT, DEC 17 at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm
SUN, DEC 18 at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm
THUR, DEC 22 at 7:00 pm
FRI, DEC 23 at 1:00pm and 5:00 pm
MON, DEC 26 at 1:00pm and 5:00 pm

The Mini-Nut, Cultural Arts Center, 7995 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring, MD
SAT, DEC 10 at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm
SUN, DEC 11 at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm

Tickets start at $22. For more information, visit marylandyouthballet.org/tickets or call 301-608-2232.

The Nutcracker performance length is approximately 2 hours including one intermission. The Mini-Nut performance length is approximately 1 hour with no intermission.


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About Maryland Youth Ballet

For over 50 years, MYB has been successfully meeting its mission to provide the region with: the highest caliber classical ballet training to prepare young dancers for successful careers in the performing arts; the highest quality of classes for both recreational and professional adults; affordable professional-quality ballet performances; opportunities for financially disadvantaged minority children to be exposed to ballet; training scholarships for those with dance potential; and young children with physical disabilities, the opportunity to experience the joy of dance movement.