The Richmond Ballet Company took the stage at Dominion Energy’s Carpenter Theater for the 42nd year, bringing families a magical, holiday inspired experience through their production of The Nutcracker.
Guests visited the theater from Dec. 6-23, to enjoy the holiday season by watching a story expressed through ballet. The production features stunning costumes, lively choreography, and the Richmond Symphony performing live music.
The story behind the Nutcracker follows a young girl, Clara, who dreams of a Toy-land kids dream of receiving during the holiday season. Clara battles mice, and takes a journey to the “Land of Sweets,” essentially creating her own land of toys. For many families in the Metro-Richmond area, the Nutcracker has become a cherished tradition.
Tickets started at $31.60, making the show very accessible to a wide audience. The production is designed to delight both newcomers and longtime fans.
Sophomore Mackenzie Patterson shared how the Nutcracker impacts their holiday experience.
“I love the Nutcracker! The holiday season would not be complete without it. As a dancer I like seeing the different choreography and how it blends with the music,” Patterson said.
The Nutcracker seems to be a holiday favorite because of its ability to blend culture, moves, and music.
Emily • Feb 5, 2026 at 1:33 pm
I personally love The Nutcracker because it sends me down Memory Lane anytime I hear the song, and I remember seeing it for the first time on a school field trip when I was 6. Oh how I loved it, the music, the dancers, the colors, the storytelling, all of it was beautiful.