The Nutcracker in Rochester, NY: What to Know Before You Go
Rochester City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker is the city’s longest-running holiday tradition, with professional and community dancers from across the Greater Rochester Area performing each year. Tchaikovsky’s score comes to life as dancers leap on stage to live music from the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. The Nutcracker is also one of the best productions to introduce children to the art of ballet. It’s engaging and full of Christmas spirit!
If you’re planning to see The Nutcracker in Rochester, NY, we cover 5 things you should know about our production, including the overall story, tips for watching the ballet with kids, and insights into our community children dancers!
Related: Reserve Tickets to the Rochester, NY, production of The Nutcracker.
1. Reviewing The Nutcracker Story Makes the Ballet Easier to Follow
Ballet is a visual art with no words, which can make it harder for people to understand the plot. If you’re new to ballet, knowing the story beforehand can help you follow along with the performance, including who the characters are, what their motivations are, and why they’re dancing or behaving a certain way.
So what’s the story of The Nutcracker ballet?
The Nutcracker ballet follows a young girl named Clara, who receives a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve from her godfather Drosselmeyer. After her brother Fritz breaks the doll, Drosselmeyer repairs it and places it under the Christmas Tree.
After everyone goes to bed, Clara returns to check on the Nutcracker when the clock strikes midnight. Suddenly, Clara is transported to a dream-like world where the Nutcracker has come to life. The pair are caught in a battle between the Mouse King and his army and the Toy Soldiers. The Nutcracker defeats the Mouse King and is transformed into the Prince of the Land of Sweets.
They then tour the Land of Snowflakes and watch fantastical performances in the Kingdom of Sweets with themes from around the world. It’s a holiday fairytale that blends music, dance, and the magic of Christmas!
2. Sensory-Friendly The Nutcracker Performances Are More Accessible to Kids
While The Nutcracker is a great ballet for kids of all ages, children (and people!) have different needs and interest levels. Rochester City Ballet strives to make The Nutcracker more accessible with free sensory-friendly performances that make it easier for families to experience the show without traditional theater rules. These performances are designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivities, and other needs.
This year, our sensory-friendly The Nutcracker performance will be held on Sunday, December 7, at 11 AM at Fort Hill Performing Arts Center in Canandaigua.
What to Expect at Sensory-Friendly The Nutcracker Performances:
No shushing rule!
Lower sound levels
No jarring special effects, including flashing lights or loud noises
Theater lights remain on
Audience members can move around and leave as needed
Audience members can use iPads and other electronics for therapeutic uses
Designated quiet areas outside of the theater
We also provide free mini-performances of The Nutcracker throughout Greater Rochester for young kids and families who might have trouble sitting through a full show. These performances help create a welcoming environment for the community and encourage people to enjoy and participate in the local arts!
Related: Reserve a spot at our sensory-friendly performance of The Nutcracker and view our list of outreach performances.
3. RCB Features Young Community Dancers to Nurture Local Talent
As a community-focused ballet company, Rochester City Ballet casts community dancers and local students to perform alongside our professional leads. Our goal is to help young dancers experience what it’s like to participate in a professional production. Working with prestigious, top-level dancers can also give students insights into how to prepare for a professional dance career.
RCB works with about 220 community children in Rochester and Canandaigua to put on The Nutcracker. Young dancers can audition for extra roles such as Party Children, Mice, and Snowflakes. No dance experience is necessary for dancers aged 5–12. Practices are held throughout the week, with different times and durations depending on the age group.
4. Rochester City Ballet Tailors the Costumes In-House
The costumes in Rochester City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker (and many other shows) are created by RCB’s Wardrobe Mistress. She works alongside many community volunteers to mend and repair costumes, updating pieces every year to maintain their vibrancy and keep in spirit with the new production.
When crafting the pieces, our wardrobe mistress incorporates details that communicate the character’s personality while still being visually coherent with the cast at large.
Last year, she created five breathtaking French Mint ribbon tutus and an entire array of costumes for the Land of Snowflakes dancers. That included 18 Snowflakes, the Snow Queen, and the Snow King costumes. This year, she plans to create new costumes for the Angels, Arabian Corps, Sugar Plum Fairy, and Cavalier.
5. Watching The Nutcracker With a Live Orchestra Makes All the Difference
RCB is honored to partner with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra for the 26th year in a row to perform The Nutcracker! It’s a treat to experience a live orchestra at a ballet performance, not only because of the artistry involved, but also because live music enhances the immersion. An orchestra brings energy, drama, and impact to every scene. And the dancers are responding to the flow of the music.
This year, Tara Simoncic will return to conduct the RPO for The Nutcracker in Rochester, NY. Simoncic remains a highly sought-after conductor and is widely recognized as one of the top ballet conductors in the U.S. Audiences can look forward to her passion and warm approach to this holiday classic!
FAQs about The Nutcracker in Rochester, NY
When is The Nutcracker in Rochester, NY, and where will it be?
The Nutcracker will be held between November 26–30, 2025, at the Eastman Theatre at Kodak Hall and December 5–7, 2025, at Fort Hill Performing Arts Center. We are also performing a sensory-friendly show at Fort Hill. Check our ticket calendar for specific times and dates.
Additionally, Rochester City Ballet will organize free mini-performances of The Nutcracker around Greater Rochester that are free to the public. Follow us on our social media accounts to stay updated on performances.
How long is The Nutcracker?
Rochester City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker is a full-length ballet in two acts, running about 1 hour and 45 minutes. There is a 15-minute intermission after Act I.
What Is the Nutcracker based on?
The Nutcracker ballet is an adaptation of a German Fairytale called “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” (Nussknacker und Mausekönig). The original short story centers on the war between the Mouse Kingdom and the Land of the Sweets, with darker themes typical of older fairytales.
Why is The Nutcracker so famous?
The Nutcracker has become a holiday tradition worldwide because of its festive themes, enchanting story, and memorable score! It’s also one of the most widely performed ballets in the United States, making it a beloved introduction to ballet for many audiences.
Is The Nutcracker the same every year?
No, all The Nutcracker performances are not the same and may differ year to year! While the core story stays the same, directors and choreographers may choose to rearrange or remove certain dances and adjust the choreography for different purposes. This allows the ballet company to showcase their high-level talent while entertaining the audience.
Is The Nutcracker appropriate for kids?
Yes, The Nutcracker is a family-friendly ballet that’s appropriate for people of all ages. If an individual needs special accommodations, we also perform sensory-friendly productions as well as mini-performances for younger children.
See The Nutcracker Performed by Rochester City Ballet
If you’re looking to experience The Nutcracker in Rochester, NY, there’s no better way than seeing it performed by the Rochester City Ballet with live accompaniment from the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Between the story, costumes, and community involvement, this performance captures the heart of the holiday season.
Be sure to purchase your tickets early (this holiday favorite sells out quickly every year)!
