December 1, 5:15–7pm
This is a multigenerational event, so invite a young person to join! We’ll take you inside the magical world of Frisch’s Presents The Nutcracker, with a chance to meet the dancers after the studio showing, from 5:15 – 7:00 pm, December 1.
Ballet & (Root) Beer: Meet the Artists is a free event, but space is limited so pre-registration is required! Register via phone 513.621.5282 or online. At the event, Cincinnati young professionals under 40 will get an exclusive opportunity to purchase specially-priced tickets for the next Cincinnati Ballet performance (pending availability).
December 23, 2020
Cincinnati Ballet is pleased to announce Principal Dancer Sirui Liu and Soloist Joshua Stayton will perform the roles of Snow Queen and Snow King in The Nutcracker at Home presented by Frisch’s, which premieres at 8 pm, Tuesday, December 22 on WLWT. 🩰 Make some joyful memories with us! Share your photos of your family […]
December 22, 2020
Materials Paper Ticket template (optional) Scissors Markers, Stickers, etc. How To: You can use the ticket template or you can cut some white paper. Every ticket needs name of the production, where your seat is and the date you are watching the production. Make your ticket unique and special for your viewing experience. Decorate with […]
December 22, 2020
We are pleased to announce Principal Dancer Melissa Gelfin De-Poli and Cincinnati Ballet Artist Arcadian Broad will perform the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier in The Nutcracker at Home presented by Frisch’s, which premieres at 8 pm, Tuesday on WLWT. 🩰 Our dancers are professional athletes who’ve continued to create art in […]
December 16, 2020
Materials White sheets of paper (the thinner, the easier to cut) Scissors Pencil (optional) String How to: Take one corner of your paper and fold it so you end with a diagonal crease. Cut the bottom strip off. You will end with a perfect triangle. If you open your paper, it’s a square! Fold you […]
December 14, 2020
Materials: Pipe cleaners colored tissue paper Scissors (optional) How To: Stack three pieces of tissue paper on top of each other. Make sure the sheets are lined up. To make small flowers, cut your tissue to the desired size. Starting with the shorter side, accordion fold the tissue paper, about a 1-inch fold. Loop the […]
December 9, 2019
This year, the Nutcracker is planning to set a trap for the Mouse King and his minions. He and BFF Fiona recently took a trip to the new downtown Cincinnati Kroger to scoop up some mousetraps and cheese! What a clever couple. Fiona did get a little distracted in the produce section…hippos love that lettuce. […]
November 28, 2019
We have so much to be thankful for this year, most of all YOU! We would love to see you this season and hope you add The Nutcracker to your holiday tradition this year. EXTENDED through Monday, save up to 30% off Select Performance of The Nutcracker presented by Frisch’s Big Boy. The more you […]
November 26, 2019
There are dozens and dozens of ornate and colorful costumes in The Nutcracker presented by Frisch’s Big Boy! From party kids to snowflakes to the Sugar Plum Fairy herself, the costumes help create the magic on stage. Did you know our dancers perform many characters during the annual production? Sometimes four or five in one […]
November 22, 2019
We wish we had even an ounce of the energy our talented dancers deliver in the Russian Dance from The Nutcracker presented by Frisch’s Big Boy. Nostrovia (Cheers)!
November 12, 2019
When the curtain drops on Act One of The Nutcracker presented by Frisch’s Big Boy, our dancers hit the stage to warm up for Act Two. In this exclusive, behind-the-scenes video, you see Rose, the Sugar Plum Fairy, her Cavalier, a Russian dancer, and several others warming up.
November 12, 2019
The Nutcracker Prince has a lot of work on his hands getting Cincinnati’s favorite hippo ready for role in The Nutcracker presented by Frisch’s Big Boy. The character, created through a partnership with Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, returns for her sophomore appearance in the holiday favorite.
November 12, 2019
Watch as Principal Dancer Melissa Gelfin dances the Sugar Plum Fairy Variation from The Nutcracker presented by Frisch’s Big Boy, 2017, Choreography: Victoria Morgan.
August 28, 2019
With visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads, dozens of hopeful children auditioned for The Nutcracker Presented by Frisch’s Big Boy Young Performers cast. What an amazing day for these talented dancers! Thank you to everyone who participated in this year. Here’s a peek inside our studios during the auditions.
July 16, 2019
Don’t delay — make your plans now and join us for Cincinnati’s beloved holiday tradition, December 19 through 29, 2019 at Music Hall with 50% off tickets to select performances of The Nutcracker presented by Frisch’s Big Boy. Single tickets for the 2019-2020 Season go on sale Monday, August 5, but you can order your The Nutcracker […]
December 17, 2018
Sirui joined Cincinnati Ballet in 2011 and was promoted to Principal Dancer in the 2017-2018 Season. This year in The Nutcracker, she will be dancing the roles of Snow Queen, Sugar Plum Fairy, and Rose. How long have you been dancing? Why did you become a dancer? I have been dancing for 24 years.😳 I have always had […]
December 7, 2018
Frisch’s Big Boy partnership with Cincinnati Ballet and The Nutcracker is a very longstanding one (almost 50 years, in fact!) Can you shed some light on how it came to be so many years ago? Way back in 1973, philanthropist and businessman John Magro approached Jack Maier, then the president of Frisch’s, about committing $150,000 right […]
December 7, 2018
Think you’ve seen every version of The Nutcracker that Cincinnati Ballet has produced over the years? If you’re only thinking about the big, full Company productions, that’s only part of The Nutcracker story at Cincinnati Ballet. Each year, the Otto M. Budig Academy presents its own mini-version of The Nutcracker at the Cincinnati Ballet studios, […]
December 7, 2018
If you’re a little girl who takes ballet, chances are you won’t have ‘visions of sugar plums’ dancing through your head, but rather visions of yourself dancing in The Nutcracker presented by Frisch’s Big Boy. The first role many young dancers dream about playing is Clara, the girl who receives a magical Nutcracker for a […]
November 26, 2018
The perfect holiday gift for friends and family is an adventure through the Land of Sweets with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince during The Nutcracker. November 26 only Cincinnati Ballet is offering steep Cyber Monday discounts on select Nutcracker performances. Cyber Monday Only MONDAY saves 20% off Nutcracker tickets Simply enter CYBERMONDAY into the box labeled “Promo Code” […]
November 14, 2018
The Nutcracker Presented by Frisch’s Big Boy, now in its 45th annual season, returns to the Music Hall from December 13 through 24, 2018. This year, the production has grown in a big way! Joining the cast is a brand-new character, based on the world’s most famous hippo – ‘Fiona.’ Cincinnati Ballet and Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical […]
November 8, 2018
Cincinnati Ballet’s Special Events Manager oversees more than 40 events each year, with everything from fundraising events for hundreds of attendees (such as An Intimate Evening and Club B) to cast parties and five annual gatherings for members of Étoile. Rachel Hinger pulls back the curtain on how long it can take to prepare for an event. In […]
September 6, 2018
Congratulations to all the talented young dancers who auditioned for The Nutcracker performances! We were impressed to have so much skill and enthusiasm grace our auditions. Below, you’ll find the official Nutcracker Kids Cast for 2018. You may also download the casting list here.
July 23, 2018
Don’t delay — make your plans now and join us for Cincinnati’s beloved holiday tradition, December 13 through 24, 2018 at Music Hall. Single tickets for the 2018-2019 Season go on sale Monday, August 6, but you can order your The Nutcracker tickets early AND get a great family deal! Special Two-Day Offer: Nutcracker in […]
June 29, 2018
Cincinnati Ballet is looking for talented young performers to be a part of this timeless holiday tradition. Auditions for The Nutcracker will be held at 1555 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45214. Download Young Performers Auditions Information sheet. Currently enrolled Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy students ONLY A $20 audition fee will apply to everyone […]
November 26, 2017
The perfect holiday gift for friends and family is an adventure through the Land of Sweets with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince during Frisch’s Big Boy Presents The Nutcracker. November 27 only Cincinnati Ballet is offering steep Cyber Monday discounts on select Nutcracker performances. Cyber Monday Only MONDAY saves 20% off Nutcracker tickets Simply enter MONDAY into the […]
August 25, 2017
Congratulations to all the talented young dancers who auditioned for Frisch’s Big Boy Presents The Nutcracker performances! We were impressed to have so much skill and enthusiasm grace our auditions. Below, you’ll find the official Nutcracker Kids Cast for 2017. You may also download the casting list here.
July 20, 2017
Single tickets for the 2017-2018 Season go on sale August 7, but you can order your Frisch’s Presents The Nutcracker tickets early AND get a great family deal!
June 27, 2017
VIEW THE NUTCRACKER 2017 KIDS CAST Cincinnati Ballet is looking for talented young performers to be a part of this timeless holiday tradition. Auditions for The Nutcracker will be held at 1555 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45214. Download Young Performers Auditions Information sheet. Currently enrolled Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy students ONLY A $20 […]
January 6, 2017
At MusicNOW Festival Cincinnati Ballet Soloist and emerging choreographer James Cunningham will premiere his latest work, a duet choreographed and performed to Bryce Dessner’s “Garcia Counterpoint”.
December 16, 2016
His enthusiasm and hard work earned him a role on stage with Cincinnati Ballet during The Nutcracker, making Jack the first child with down syndrome to dance with the company!
December 15, 2016
“In Cincinnati, dancers, musicians and thespians have learned to count on Mercy Health’s Performing Arts Medicine program for treatment and preventive care.”
December 15, 2016
“It is such a wonderful celebration of ability, focusing on what a child can do – on what people can do.”
December 12, 2016
“It’s not just the promise of a starring role and spotlight dance that draws Campagna to performing, but also, as he puts it, the chance to ‘act, be active, and tell stories.'”
December 12, 2016
“I think, for us especially, it is a highlight in our career–for all of us. So for me to have that opportunity to go was absolutely a dream come true. In fact, I cried on stage; it was so awesome.”
December 12, 2016
After four years in the program, Jack has earned a spot in this season’s performance of The Nutcracker. He is the first child with Down syndrome to perform on stage with the Cincinnati Ballet.
December 12, 2016
The Nutcracker is the perfect opportunity to introduce even your youngest children to performance art, as the colorful costumes, captivating music and family-centered environment are sure to grab and keep their attention.
December 12, 2016
“entertaining, well-danced, filled with surprises and more than a little showmanship.”
December 9, 2016
“It’s a joyful tradition that we are able to share with our audiences. I love knowing that we bring magic, laughter and wonderful memories for the kids and their families!”
December 9, 2016
Catch a glimpse of The Nutcracker, taking the Aronoff Center stage December 9-18!
December 7, 2016
See inside the studio as choreographer Derrek Burbridge teaches Cincinnati Ballet dancers the hip hop choreography, a recent addition to Frisch’s Big Boy Presents The Nutcracker.
December 6, 2016
After wowing audiences at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. the Cincinnati Ballet dancers take to the studio, rehearsing even more of Frisch’s Big Boy Presents The Nutcracker in preparation for Cincinnati performances December 9-18 at the Aronoff Center.
December 4, 2016
Music and art is very prevalent in my family. On Christmas night, all the cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends of the family have Christmas dinner at my grandparents’ house, and we sing epic Christmas carols.
December 4, 2016
In short, they love ’em. Big surprise, right? Not for us.
December 4, 2016
“It’s a little bit different and yet that class beauty is right there.”
November 29, 2016
“James Cunningham, a soloist with the Cincinnati Ballet, says La Nymphe Brisée loosely revolves around how people can become entangled with negative influences.”
November 29, 2016
“This week has been a dream come true for Cincinnati Ballet.” -Victoria Morgan, Artistic Director & CEO and Nutcracker choreographer.
November 28, 2016
Browse photos from Cincinnati Ballet’s tour to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
November 24, 2016
Join dancers, staff and supporters on Day 4 of our Kennedy Center tour, as Cincinnati Ballet celebrates Thanksgiving with a monument tour and dinner.
November 24, 2016
a sparkling version of the holiday classic… clever, witty and musically fluid…the ballet teems with a sense of humor, love and wonder.
November 24, 2016
The word that kept popping to mind during Wednesday’s opening night performance was “surreal.” Not “surreal” in a disorienting way. But “surreal” in a way that transports to some alternate plane of existence.
November 24, 2016
Cincinnati Ballet’s production attempts to find ways to charm and surprise audiences more than a hundred years after it was first written. And in many ways, it succeeds, offering us an enchanting taste of the holiday season to come.
November 24, 2016
It was a most satisfying evening all told: a spirited re-telling of this seasonal classic.
November 24, 2016
“But the real clincher had to be the innovative choreography by the Ballet’s Artistic Director and CEO Victoria Morgan and her team of dancers who masterfully executed their movements flawlessly.”
November 24, 2016
“Today’s Cincinnati Ballet is a quintessentially American dance company.”
November 23, 2016
Ahead of our performances of The Nutcracker this week at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., join Cincinnati Ballet in the studio for an insider’s glimpse of company class. Livestream filmed November 23 at 11:50 am.
November 23, 2016
For these young dancers – they range from 17 to somewhere in their mid-30s – the sense of excitement is palpable. They’re giggly and chattering as they wait to board the bus. For many of them this is the their first-ever tour.
November 23, 2016
Watch Day 3 of Cincinnati Ballet and the Kennedy Center as we debut The Nutcracker in Washington, D.C.!
November 22, 2016
See Day 2 of #CBalletOnTour to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.!
November 21, 2016
“We see shoulder dislocations, tibial fractures, ACL tears, rotator cuff damage. If something happens during a show, you can’t call a timeout — you have to keep going.”
November 21, 2016
Join in on the fun of Cincinnati Ballet’s tour of The Nutcracker to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.! Watch a recap of Day 1 as the company jumps on a bus and head to the nation’s capital.
November 18, 2016
Save 25% off Nutcracker tickets for one day only!
November 8, 2016
Cincinnati Ballet has been invited to present seven performances of The Nutcracker at the famed John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., November 23 through 27, with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s sensational holiday score. “To be invited to perform at the Kennedy Center is a great honor […]
November 8, 2016
When you set out to update a classic ballet like The Nutcracker, how do you make it fresh, new and enticing to new audiences without abandoning the long standing traditional approach? Victoria Morgan, Cincinnati Ballet Artistic Director and CEO, weighs in during this interview about Frisch’s Big Boy Presents The Nutcracker.
November 8, 2016
We collected footage from Drosselmeyer’s point of view and backstage to show you what it’s like to go flying with Drosselmeyer.
November 8, 2016
Weigh in and tell us your favorite character in our online poll!
November 7, 2016
How much do you know about Cincinnati Ballet’s Nutcracker? In this video, we collected some little known facts about Frisch’s Big Boy Presents The Nutcracker so you can feel like an insider before you get to the theater. If you’re already an expert, we have even more fun facts below! Did you know? Over 100 children […]
November 4, 2016
“Flying” can be a nerve-racking experience, even for seasoned dancers. But in The Nutcracker, the bees flying in from 30 feet up aren’t seasoned dancers, they’re children!
November 4, 2016
Hear from Victoria on the importance of the “Mirlipoos” and how the characters are meant to resonate with children’s active imaginations.
November 4, 2016
Over the years audiences across the country began making a point to see The Nutcracker as part of their family traditions, but it didn’t start that way.
November 4, 2016
When Artistic Director and CEO Victoria Morgan began work on a new version of The Nutcracker in 2011, she had a novel idea for updating the character of Mother Ginger.
November 3, 2016
Victoria Morgan, Artistic Director and CEO of Cincinnati Ballet, talks about how her Mouse King choreography serves as a comedic counterpoint to the seemingly pervasive violence we see in our modern world.
November 3, 2016
In this interview, Carmon DeLeone, Cincinnati Ballet’s Music Director, recalls his favorite parts of the 1974 production and speaks to the challenges of the modern version of Frisch’s Big Boy Presents The Nutcracker.
November 3, 2016
Over the years The Nutcracker show has evolved, becoming even more spectacular than the original.
November 3, 2016
After four decades and six different iterations, the whimsical story remains, but the sets, costumes and choreography of The Nutcracker have become much more intricate.
November 3, 2016
We’ve condensed the entire Nutcracker into just one minute, so you can relive the magic of Nutcracker any time you’d like.
November 2, 2016
Cincinnati Ballet’s Nutcracker has been called “downright spectacular…enchanting, entertaining, captivating, occasionally eye-popping” by the Cincinnati Enquirer, and you’ll see why in our new video trailer.
October 28, 2016
Bring the kids to meet the characters of Nutcracker, enjoy coffee and cake from Frisch’s Big Boy and even save money on your Nutcracker tickets during this fun, free event.
September 6, 2016
Congratulations to all the talented young dancers who auditioned for Frisch’s Presents The Nutcracker performances!
July 7, 2016
Purchase a package of 4 Frisch’s Present The Nutcracker tickets for only $100!
June 29, 2016
Cincinnati Ballet is looking for talented young performers to be a part of this timeless holiday tradition. Each year we audition and select young performers to fill various roles during our largest show of the season. If your child is interested in auditioning to be in the kids cast of Frisch’s Presents The Nutcracker, please review […]
March 18, 2016
Cincinnati Ballet’s 2016-2017 Season marks Artistic Director & CEO Victoria Morgan’s 20th. To celebrate, the new season features unique collaborations, world premieres and the return of treasured family classics.
