Tucson, AZ (November 19, 2025) -- Ballet Tucson, in partnership with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, will present the timeless beauty of an age-old story, The Nutcracker, opening on December 19 at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall. Written in 1892 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, as an adaptation of Alexandre Dumas's 1844 short story, the two-act classical ballet is set on Christmas Eve at the foot of a Christmas Tree in a child's imagination, featuring a Nutcracker doll. The Nutcracker itself is the retelling of E.T.A. Hoffman's 1816 The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Many ballet companies have since performed the Nutcracker worldwide, and it is a true joy of the season for many.
This season marks the fourth year of Ballet Tucson’s partnership with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, a collaboration that celebrates the strength and spirit of the local arts community. Together, Tucson’s professional ballet company and symphony orchestra unite in a treasured tradition - to bring Tchaikovsky’s iconic score to life.
Each year, Ballet Tucson welcomes talented young dancers from The School of Ballet Tucson and across Southern Arizona to share the stage with their professional company dancers, a thrilling opportunity for these emerging artists.
"For so many, the beloved ballet The Nutcracker, marks the beginning of a lifelong love of dance. As a child, I was filled with awe watching the beautiful dancers around me. I am proud to share that I performed in this very production growing up here in Tucson and I now have the pleasure of watching the children of my childhood friends perform this beautiful ballet. The Nutcracker was the first step in realizing my dream of becoming a professional ballerina and I now get to support the dreams of the next generation. Whether dancing onstage or watching from the audience, this ballet’s magic has inspired me for over three decades", said Margaret Mullin, Ballet Tucson's Artistic Director "
The Nutcracker - Photo Credit Carlos Chavez
The Nutcracker will be performed at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall on Friday, Dec 19, 7pm, Saturday, Dec 20, 1pm and 6pm and Sunday, Dec 21, 1pm and 6pm. For tickets and additional information, visit www.ballettucson.org. (Limited availability prime seating, VIP Experience, a post-performance meet and greet with the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier with photo opportunity, and a signed photo or pointe shoe from the Sugar Plum Fairy.)