World Ballet Company is dedicated to demystifying the art of ballet.

Los Angeles Times

Swan Lake is brought to life by an exceptional ensemble with detailed hand-crafted costumes and rich storytelling.

Broadway World

A heightened sense of reality, folk tales, and folk dances transmogrified into sinuous spectacle

San Diego Reader

“Like a time capsule, capturing the richness and fullness that once defined all ballet”

The Courant

Classic ballet traditions while adding new choreography, hand-painted sets, and beyond beautiful hand-sewn costumes

Enchanted Seashells

“One of the most transcendent cultural experiences I have had in a long time”

Times-Advocate

The Nutcracker in Weinberg Center for the Arts, Frederick, MD

Holidays begin with the Nutcracker!
The most favorite Christmas classic of all is coming to your city and you are invited to the show!

The Nutcracker, a mesmerizing part of the World Ballet Company, showcases a diverse cast of 40 professional ballet dancers, who come together to breathe new life into this classic holiday tradition.

Experience the excitement of the World Ballet in this family-friendly performance, featuring Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music, over 150 radiant hand-crafted costumes, lavish hand-painted sets, and the iconic Lev Ivanov choreography.

Join Marie and the Nutcracker on a thrilling Christmas night adventure to the Land of Sweets, where you’ll marvel at the famous Waltz of Flowers, the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and encounter intriguing characters like Mother Ginger and Drosselmeyer.

Save the date and secure your tickets in advance to ensure you’re part of the magic!

Synopsis

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Prologue

The children of Counselor Stahlbaum, Marie and Fritz, ask their father to buy them the wonderful dolls displayed in the window of the toy shop. He does not agree but secretly negotiates with his friend Drosselmeier to send dolls to the children for Christmas. The Master sends gifts and prepares a surprise – a small doll for cracking nuts – the Nutcracker.

Act I

Scene One

On Christmas Eve, the guests gather in the counselor’s house. Children can’t wait to see the Christmas tree and holiday gifts. The coveted moment comes when the master of dolls comes dressed in the costume of a wizard and surprises everyone with his art. Clockwork dolls dance for all guests. Drosselmeyer gives Marie a funny Nutcracker. Fritz accidentally breaks it. Marie gently comforts her new favorite toy; her brother and his friends, wearing masks of mice, tease sad Marie. Everyone dances once again and leaves.

Scene Two

Marie falls asleep in her bedroom. But even in her sleep, she keeps worrying about the broken Nutcracker. The clock beats midnight. By the wave of Drosselmeyer’s hand, everything changes: room walls move apart, the Christmas tree begins to grow, and all toys come to life. Tin soldiers under the command of the Nutcracker march around the room. Suddenly, mice come out of the underground, led by the Mice King. The dolls are terrified and confused. Only the courage of the Nutcracker saves them. An unequal battle is tied up, and the Nutcracker is left alone with the King of Mice and his retinue. Marie, seeing the danger threatening her toy, takes off her slipper and throws it to the King of mice. Mice scatter scared. And then a miracle happens …. There is no more funny ugly doll – a handsome prince stands in front of Marie. He thanks her for her salvation and invites her to follow her. The waltz of the snowflakes carries our heroes in their dance.

Act II

Marie and the Prince’s amazing journey continues. They sail along the sea to the city of sweets in Confitureurburg, the ruler of which is the Nutcracker. Suddenly, the mice are attacking again. The Nutcracker defeats the enemies. The inhabitants of the city gladly greet Masha and Prince. The good puppet Mater appears and turns the Kingdom of Sweets into a rose garden. Marie and the prince are happy! But all of this is just a dream. It was a Christmas Eve, and night dreams disappeared with it. There comes a new day. Masha sits by the Christmas tree with a Nutcracker toy on her lap…

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Cast

Prince
Please note, the cast varies by city. Click on a picture to learn more about each dancer.
Sugar Plum Fairy
Please note, the cast varies by city. Click on a picture to learn more about each dancer.
Marie
Please note, the cast varies by city. Click on a picture to learn more about each dancer.
Drosselmeyer
Please note, the cast varies by city. Click on a picture to learn more about each dancer.
The Nutcracker Toy
Please note, the cast varies by city. Click on a picture to learn more about each dancer.
Mouse
Please note, the cast varies by city. Click on a picture to learn more about each dancer.
Meet the full cast here

Reviews

My daughter and I attended the show last night in Bristol, TN. I wish we could see it again… the dancers are amazing!

KeenMullins STeresa 

We were able to see you in Riverside and it was phenomenal! Thank you so much for such a beautiful production!!

Shelley Rice-Renison

Went to the Pittsfield show last night. My daughter and I LOVED it. We where in awe of the beauty and talent. Thanks you!

Seanna Isaacs 

Saw you in McAllen! Wonderful show. Thank you!

Linda Schebel

You were beautiful and hysterical and a joy to watch dance! Can’t wait until the WBT comes back to Riverside California!

Gigi Brewer

Saw it in Roanoke, VA. It was absolutely wonderful! The costumes, sets, lighting, the talented dancers made it a night to remember. Bravo!!

Kathryn Reyna 

I got to see them 2nd row from the stage. The costumes were absolutely Brilliant!! I will be seeing them again!

Kat Woodring 

It was the most beautiful performance I have ever seen. So glad I didn’t miss it…

Donna Santa Cruz

Thank you for a wonderful performance! We loved it!

Mary Beth Aubertin

It was FABULOUS!!! The costumes are unbelievable and the cast phenomenal ♥️♥️♥️

AnneMarie Gwiazdowski-Watrous
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