Scottsdale-Based Ballet Company Presents “A Holiday Spectacular, THE NUTCRACKER” at Arizona Financial Theatre December 14-15, 2024

On Saturday, December 14 – Sunday, December 15, 2024, the Phoenix Ballet alongside renowned dancers from Master Ballet Academy (whose combined studios are actually based right here in Scottsdale), will be presenting an updated version of their classic holiday show, titled “A Holiday Spectacular, THE NUTCRACKER” at Arizona Financial Theatre. And for the first time ever, will feature viral ballet industry influencers on stage, plus live music from the 57-piece Chandler Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Vanja Nikolovski.

“Given the turnout we had last year with over 19,000 in attendance, we’re thrilled to be in such a grand venue as the Arizona Financial Theatre,” said Phoenix Ballet’s Artistic Director Slawomir Woźniak. “Because we are in an entirely new space this year, I updated the sets, costumes and choreography to make this the largest and most magical production I have ever created.”

Additional updates to Woźniak’s new version of this classical holiday tale not only include new eye-catching costumes to complement stunning choreography performed by a global cast of dancers, a variety of new sets, and snowfall on stage during the Snow Scene, but there will also be live music performed by the 57-piece Chandler Symphony Orchestra conducted by Vanja Nikolovski and viral social media influencers amongst the cast on stage.

Master Ballet Academy, the official school of Phoenix Ballet, has become a local landmark in Scottsdale due to the fame and recognition that social media has brought them. With over 500K followers and more than 7.5 million likes, Master Ballet Academy (@masterballetacademy on Instagram) and Phoenix Ballet (@phoenixballet on Instagram) have become a viral sensation in the performing arts world.

“It has been a whirlwind of excitement over the last few years. We started with talented, high-profile, award-winning dancers not only from Arizona but from all over the world then once we started sharing things on social media, it has continued to bring in fans from across the globe,” said Wozniak. “I thought it would be exciting for audience members if I bring our viral presence to the stage this holiday season and am pleased to announce that in addition to our cast of well-known dancers, we will not only have students from the Master Ballet Academy but we will also have an appearance by our longtime photographer and internet sensation in her own right, Eva Nys (@evanysphotography on Instagram) at our Holiday Spectacular, THE NUTCRACKER this December.”

For the first time in Phoenix Ballet’s history, “A Holiday Spectacular, THE NUTCRACKER” will take place at the Arizona Financial Theatre (located at 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85003) on Saturday, December 14 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and again on Sunday, December 15 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. The holiday show, which Woźniak describes as featuring “the best Russian Dance ever seen” will be in two acts and last 2 hours (including intermission), making it perfect for audience members ages 5 and up. “A Holiday Spectacular, THE NUTCRACKER” is the beloved holiday classic “The Nutcracker” danced to the famous Tchaikovsky score that Phoenix audiences have loved for over a decade with added elements making it an exciting, holiday celebration.

Tickets are on sale now at www.PhoenixBallet.org. For 50% off adult tickets (not all seating types available and based on availability), use code CLARA.