It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and that means Nutcracker season is in full swing!
We’ll be closed December 21-January 4, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate this beloved holiday classic at home. Looking for some fun Nutcracker-themed activities to try over Christmas break? Let’s get started!
● Host a Watch Party
Can’t make it to the theater? Bring the theater to you! Performances of The Nutcracker are available in full on plenty of streaming services, or even on YouTube. Make popcorn and hot cocoa or set out bowls from the Land of Sweets, get cozy on the couch, and enjoy the performance! (Homemade tickets, theater attire, tutus, or Christmas jammies optional.)
● Put on a Show
This one is simple! Dance out your own Nutcracker production at home. Find an open space, pull out your old recital costumes or dress-up bins, make some props, and set the stage! Cast siblings, stuffed animals, or even the family pets as the stars. Turn on The Nutcracker soundtrack and have fun with your very own moves and costumes!
● Arts and Crafts
Why not make it a whole Nutcracker day? From coloring sheets and DIY ornaments to fairy wands and paper snowflakes, there are lots of ways to make a piece of this story. Cook up some sugar plums, go on a Nutcracker Ballet Scavenger Hunt, or even Save The Nutcracker from the Mouse King with escape-room style clues. Just search “Nutcracker crafts” in Pinterest or your favorite browser!
Hungry for more? We’re ready to help!
Nutcracker-Inspired Classes to Try in 2026
Free Trial Week is coming up again January 5-10, 2026. Did a workshop, performance, or video of “The Nutcracker” leave you inspired? Here are a few places to start:
● Pre-Pointe
Did you love the snowflakes, flowers, and Sugar Plum Fairy? Start working toward some pointe shoes of your own! Turning Pointe’s pre-pointe class is a pre-requisite for pointe work designed for students ages 11 and up who have had at least 2-3 consecutive years of ballet training.
Students will need a yoga mat, beach/bath towel, foam roller, and tennis ball. Students will be assessed by our team of pointe teachers in April to determine if they are ready to move into Beginning Pointe. Taking a minimum of 2 weekly ballet technique classes along with pre-pointe is encouraged and preferred!
● Combo Classes
The best thing about “The Nutcracker” is that it features all kinds of dancing! From the passionate flamenco-inspired movements of the Spanish Coffee to the quick, nimble footwork and precise gestures of the Chinese Tea, just like our favorite Christmas treats, no two sweets are exactly alike.
At Turning Pointe Dance, Twirl and Primary-level students can embrace different movement qualities in a combo class! Students will increase their understanding of ballet while developing coordination and rhythm through tap dance. Combo classes are a great way to try new styles and decide what you like best.
● Ballroom
Did you love party scene dances? Try your hand at partnered steps in Turning Pointe’s ballroom class! You’ll learn the basics of American Smooth and American Rhythm style dances as you develop posture, coordination, balance, and control through a series of steps designed to carry each couple effortlessly across the dance floor.
Upon completion, each student will have the ability to recognize and match each style of dance to the appropriate style of music and perform the basics and beginning supplemental steps of waltz, foxtrot and tango, east coast swing, salsa, cha-cha, and rhumba. It’s the perfect way to prepare for weddings, social dancing, or the next Stahlbaum Christmas party. No partners necessary!
Ready to start the journey to your own magical stage experience? Don’t delay! The last day to register for 2026 recital classes is January 31!