Tag: The Children's Nutcracker

Rising Stars Shine in the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio’s Nutcracker

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio has your ticket to a world of winter wonder. Photo: Infinite Photography SA.

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio Brings Holiday Magic Back to the Stage

San Antonio, TX — Cherished traditions make the holidays truly special, and this year, the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is once again lighting up the season with spectacular productions sure to captivate audiences of all ages. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2025)

A Beloved Holiday Classic Returns

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio’s enchanting production of The Children’s Nutcracker returns to the iconic Lila Cockrell Theatre December 12–14. Audiences can expect breathtaking choreography, lavish costumes, and stunning scenery brought to life by some of the most talented young dancers in Bexar County.

For families seeking a magical holiday tradition, this professional-level production is one you won’t want to miss.

A Decade of Excellence in Youth Performing Arts

For more than ten years, CBSA has been a leader in youth performing arts, pairing professional training with exceptional performance opportunities. Under the guidance of acclaimed Artistic Director Vanessa Bessler, Master Ballet Teachers, and top local choreographers, CBSA dancers have earned international awards and received scholarships to prestigious institutions such as:

  • John Cranko School (Stuttgart Ballet, Germany)
  • Royal Ballet School (London)
  • School of American Ballet (New York City)

Rising Stars Bring ‘The Children’s Nutcracker’ to Life

CBSA’s mission to elevate young artists, including pint-sized prima ballerinas, gifted young adult dancers, and inspiring performers with special needs, is on full display in this year’s production.

Honoring Tchaikovsky’s original score and the classic Nutcracker tradition, the 90-minute performance is perfectly crafted to keep younger audiences engaged from beginning to end.

This season’s featured dancers include Daniela Quiroga, Jaida Soleman, William Bessler, Joaquin Marsh, Inez Dunne, Louise Picha, and Gigi Natho, who will perform beloved roles such as Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Cavalier. Opulent costumes, magical sets, and exquisite choreography promise to delight both longtime fans and first-time viewers of this timeless tale.

Festive Fun Begins Before the Curtain Rises

Guests can get into the holiday spirit early with a charming pre-show holiday market featuring unique gifts and collectibles. Families can enjoy seasonal treats, take photos with Santa, meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and cast members, and enjoy joyful performances from the San Antonio Academy Wildcat’s Chorale and Mariachi Orgullo del Sur.

Event Details

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio Presents: The Children’s Nutcracker

Show Dates & Times

  • Fri, Dec 12 — 7:00 p.m.
  • Sat, Dec 13 — 2:00 p.m.
  • Sun, Dec 14 — 2:00 p.m.

Note: Holiday Market and Photos with Santa and the cast open one hour prior to showtime.

Location:
Lila Cockrell Theatre
200 E. Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

About the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio

The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) professional-level ballet company that showcases the city’s most talented young dancers. Performers are selected by audition or invitation, and receive extensive training and performance experience.

Mission:
To inspire excellence and prepare children for creative, productive lives through dance by offering world-class training and performance opportunities to talented youth from all backgrounds.

Ballet, Beauty, and Holiday Cheer: The Children’s Nutcracker at the Lila Cockrell Theatre

Transport your family to a magical winter wonderland with The Children’s Nutcracker. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

San Antonio, TX —The Children’s Nutcracker is a truly enchanting, family-friendly adaptation of the classic Christmastime ballet. Presented on December 13 and 14 by the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, the region’s foremost institution for youth dance instruction, this dynamic production infuses the timeless elegance of The Nutcracker ballet with CBSA’s mission to create professional-grade performance opportunities for pint sized prima ballerinas, supremely talented young adult dancers and inspiring special needs performers. Ticket information is available through Ticketmaster.

The 10th anniversary winter wonderland production takes place at the magnificent Lila Cockrell Theater, located amidst the famous San Antonio Riverwalk’s famed holiday light display. The 90-minute runtime ensures young audiences stay enthralled and inspired, while pre-show opportunities to visit Santa, shop at an onsite holiday market, and indulge in mouthwatering treats from the Kingdom of Sweets create the perfect atmosphere to kick off the holiday season.

Eagerly anticipated auditions draw hundreds of regional applicants hoping to secure a spot on San Antonio’s top stages and dance alongside world-renowned guest artists. This year, international ballet masters and principal artists Aliaksandra Krukava and Nurlan Kinerbayev, both experts in ballet’s acclaimed Vaganova method made famous by the likes of Anna Pavlova, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Rudolf Nureyev, return to lend their expertise to the choreography and staging of The Children’s Nutcracker, as well as dance the principal roles for the December 13 performance. These acclaimed dancers have performed leading roles in classical ballets for numerous companies throughout Europe and the United States, including the Russian National Ballet. Their presence on a San Antonio stage is truly a unique opportunity, made possible by CBSA.

The production is sure to satisfy audiences familiar with the 19th century tale of young Clara and her magical Nutcracker Prince, and dazzle those experiencing the cherished tradition for the first time. All the grandeur of Tchaikovsky’s original ballet score and the classic elements of The Nutcracker legacy are retained in The Children’s Nutcracker, while the energetic pace is designed to entrance younger audiences from start to finish.

Adding to the holiday cheer is the knowledge that proceeds from The Children’s Nutcracker support CBSA’s civic altruism. To date, the company and the affiliated Dance Center of San Antonio has provided life-changing educational and performance opportunities to nearly 2,500 young dancers from South and Central Texas, performed for more than 35,000 Title I schoolchildren and 2,000 underserved community members affiliated with Bexar County youth and family service organizations, and awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to special needs, boys’ dance, and financial needs-based students.

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio presents The Children’s Nutcracker

Friday December 13, 7p.m. and Saturday December 14, 2p.m.

Note: Holiday Market and Photos with Santa and cast opens one hour prior to showtime.

The Lila Cockrell Theatre
200 E. Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

Children’s Ballet of San Antonio Announces Extended Auditions on Saturday

Nutcracker Clara and Nutcracker. Photo: Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.

Due to an overwhelming response, The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) will host an additional round of auditions for its fall productions this Saturday, August 24, 2024. As CBSA sets out to celebrate double digits with its 10th Anniversary, talented young performers have a pas de deux or duet of opportunities to shine with two auditions for holiday productions. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2024)

“After a number of artist inquiries and requests, we are thrilled to extend our auditions to accommodate busy, back to school schedules. Those who missed our open call last weekend, can join us this Saturday to audition for either or both productions. We have so much amazing talent in San Antonio, we can’t wait to share them with our audience through these incredible productions.” – Vanessa Bessler, Founder and Artistic Director of The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio

Get ready for an enchanting adventure as Polar Express: The Musical! makes its world premiere at the iconic Empire Theatre December 6-8, 2024. Young performers can be a part of this heartwarming holiday classic brought to life on stage. CBSA seeks dynamic musical theatre performers ages 8-19 to hop on board the Polar Express: The Musical!

Be a part of The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio’s 10th anniversary production of The Children’s Nutcracker and celebrate a decade of holiday enchantment. The timeless ballet comes to life on the magnificent Lila Cockrell stage, located on the historic Riverwalk December 13-15, 2024. Dancers from multiple disciplines, gymnasts, musicians and actors aged 3 to 19 are invited to audition and be part of this magical milestone production.

Whether you have a preschool prima donna eager to join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince around the Christmas Tree or a talented tween actor hoping his stage debut comes on a train to the North Pole, young performers of all abilities have another opportunity to showcase their unique skills by auditioning for either (or both!).

Cast members will not want to miss the chance to train with the award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio. Since its founding 10 years ago, CBSA performers have studied with acclaimed Master Ballet Teachers and the most talented local choreographers, won numerous international awards, and accepted scholarships to world-renowned ballet institutions like the Royal Ballet School in London, the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia, and the School of American Ballet in New York City, to name a few.

Founder Vanessa Bessler is a nine-time consecutive winner of Youth America Grand Prix’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year, an acknowledgment of her dedication to finding and cultivating young, local talent. CBSA’s associated Dance Center was recently recognized as among the top 2.5 percent of ballet institutions in the nation. Bessler will serve as artistic director for both productions, leading talented teams of award-winning dancers, singers, musicians, actors, and even gymnasts to create professional-caliber productions that embrace the contributions of all performers, including those with special needs.

Polar Express: The Musical!
Auditioning for musical theatre performers ages 8-19.

The Children’s Nutcracker
Auditioning for a wide range of dancers, musicians, actors, and gymnasts ages 3 – 19.

Age 3-7: 12p.m. – 1p.m. Dance Audition
Age 8-11: 1p.m. – 2p.m. Dance & Gymnast Audition
Polar Express OPEN CALL 2p.m. – 3p.m. Age 8+ Musical Theatre performers
Age 12+: 3p.m. – 4p.m. Dance & Gymnast Audition

Dance Center of San Antonio Studios
126 W. Rector, Ste. 120.
San Antonio, Texas 78216

Please Register Prior to Auditions.
Video Auditions are also accepted. Please send video auditions to Children’s Ballet of San Antonio. 

The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is an authentic, professional-level ballet company that produces professionally staged productions showcasing San Antonio’s most talented children. Dancers are selected by invitation or audition. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is a nonprofit organization 501(c)3. 

Mission: The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) seeks to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for productive and creative lives through dance by offering extensive training and performance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds.

Photo: Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.

Children’s Ballet of San Antonio hosts open auditions for The Children’s Nutcracker

Christmas comes early for young performers with The Children’s Nutcracker open auditions. Photo: Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.

The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) will hold open auditions for The Children’s Nutcracker at the Dance Center of San Antonio on Saturday, August 26, from 10:30a.m. – 6p.m. All performers, ages 3-19 are invited to register online for an audition time. The Children’s Nutcracker is looking for ballet, tap, folklorico, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary dancers, along with gymnasts, actors, and vocalists. Performers with special needs are encouraged to attend a more relaxed audition on Friday, August 25, from 5:30p.m. – 6p.m. All performers will be cast in roles that showcase and highlight their individual talents and strengths and allow them to shine brighter than the Christmas star. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2023)

The Children’s Nutcracker is a classic, beloved holiday tradition that features all the enchantment, joy, and wonder synonymous with this timeless tale. From fighting mice to fairies, soldiers to snow queens, the show takes audiences on an adventure where holiday dreams do come true. Taking place at the Lila Cockrell Theatre on December 8 and 9, this world-class production pulls out all the stops for a holiday extravaganza the whole family will enjoy. From a pre-show holiday market to spectacular digital and physical scenery, captivating special effects, and interactive elements, The Children’s Nutcracker is the perfect way for families to kick off the holidays and capture the magic of the season.

The Children’s Nutcracker 2023 offers young performers the chance to train with the best of the best, from Master Ballet Teachers to internationally acclaimed choreographers. This year, performers will be able to work with Nutcracker experts Aliaksandra Krukava and Nurlan Kinerbayev from the world-renowned Vaganova method of Russian Ballet. This is the same prestigious method that has turned out such household names as Mikhail Baryshnikov, Rudolf Nureyev, and Anna Pavlova, to name a few.

The dynamic Russian duo will be on hand this year to help with staging, exposing both the performers and the audience to the most authentic experience. Performers will also have the unique opportunity to work with Vanessa Bessler, former Prima Ballerina and founder of CBSA. Through recognition, awards, and scholarships from the most prestigious ballet competitions and schools in the world for many of its dancers, CBSA has elevated San Antonio to the world stage, making it a strong player in the performing arts world.

Awards and accolades aside, CBSA is the only professional-level dance company in Texas to offer lead roles to dancers as young as eight years old. Designed to bridge the gap between young students and professional dancers, it is a gateway for young artists interested in pursuing a professional dance career, pointing their toes in the right direction.

Dance Center of San Antonio
126 W. Rector, Suite 120
San Antonio, TX 78216

Auditions:
Friday August 25, 5:30p.m. – 6p.m. for special needs performers
Saturday August 26, 10:30a.m. – 6p.m. for general auditions
All students must register to secure audition time.

The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is an authentic, professional-level ballet company that produces professionally staged productions showcasing San Antonio’s most talented children. Dancers are selected by invitation or audition. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) seeks to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for productive and creative lives through dance by offering extensive training and performance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds.

The Children’s Nutcracker creates magical holiday extravaganza

The Children’s Nutcracker, Santa, sugarplums, and shopping come together in a magical holiday extravaganza. Photo: The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.

From Snow Queens and Sugarplum Fairies to dashing princes and dancing mice, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker has been a part of family holiday traditions for decades. The enchanting tale of Clara’s beloved doll coming to life has inspired many a young dancer to take the stage and has fostered a love of the arts in not only the young, but also the young at heart. This year, the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio will take the magic to whole new level, combining this timeless classic with immersive and interactive elements, wrapping several cherished holiday traditions into one entertaining and exciting event. From a holiday market to photos with Santa and the Nutcracker cast, magical makeovers, and plenty of sweets and treats it is an unforgettable experience straight out of a sugarplum dream. With a condensed 1.5 hour performance, even the tiniest attendees will be captivated. Tickets are available on the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio website. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2021)

The Children’s Nutcracker:
Friday, December 10, 7p.m.
Saturday, December 11, 2p.m.
Saturday, December 11, 7p.m.
Holiday Market and Photos with Santa opens one hour prior to showtime.

The fun starts from the moment guests enter the theatre and find themselves in a holiday market where they can browse the extensive selection of dress-up items, including tutus and Sugarplum Fairy wands, Mouse King swords, as well as home décor including ornaments and, of course, nutcrackers. Hair and makeup stylists will be on site to offer magical makeovers transforming little ones into regal royals for a glittering good time. Key cast members from princes to queens, and fairies, along with Santa himself, will be on hand for contactless photos on a first come first served basis. Because no holiday is complete without treats, there will be plenty of holiday fare including cocoa, holiday cookies and other seasonal favorites along with hot dogs, mini-burgers, and popcorn.

Award-winning dancers and a talented array of young performers share the stage for this production filled with dazzling costumes, multimedia integrated scenery, and an interactive surprise or two for the audience members. Featuring performers ranging from internationally acclaimed classical dancers to gifted special needs artists ages 3-19, the production highlights a variety of disciplines and talents. Led by founder and former Prima Ballerina and six-time Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding Teacher Award winner Vanessa Bessler, CBSA has created a gateway for young artists interested in pursuing a professional dance career. The elite artists have had the privilege to train in some of the world’s best academies including the Royal Ballet School in London, the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia, and the School of American Ballet in New York City, to name a few. Through recognition, awards, and scholarships from the most prestigious ballet competitions and schools in the world for many of its dancers, CBSA has elevated San Antonio to the world stage, making it a strong player in the arts world.

The Lila Cockrell Theatre
200 E. Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

Masks are required at the Lila Cockrell Theatre, hand washing stations and sanitizer are available on site to encourage a safe environment. The Children’s Ballet continues to enforce extensive safety protocols to include both virtual and limited capacity in-person rehearsals, screenings, masks, gloves, long sleeves, social distancing, and more.

Admission proceeds and holiday market profits directly benefit Children’s Ballet of San Antonio in fulfilling its mission to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for productive and creative lives through dance by offering extensive training and performance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds. Donations from the event will benefit dance scholarships for special needs and underserved youth, as well as the transportation and organization of several hundred Title 1 school students to attend each performance. Funds also go to the production costs of theatre, costumes, lights, and special effects that allow these dancers to perform in San Antonio’s top theatres in professional productions as part of their professional level training.