Nuts & Crackers: A New Holiday Tradition Reimagines the Nutcracker

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nuts & Crackers: A New Holiday Tradition Reimagines the Nutcracker

An immersive dance-theater adventure invites audiences into Clara’s world, where a beloved holiday classic takes an unexpected turn.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — What happens after Clara’s journey to the Land of the Sweets? Find out at Nuts & Crackers, an immersive dance-theater experience co-produced by Nacre Dance Group and Creative License Theater Collective Immersive on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs.

Blending familiar holiday music and characters with imaginative choreography and interactive theater, Nuts & Crackersinvites audiences to experience the Nutcracker story in a new way. As Clara’s childhood adventure inspires her to become a budding choreographer, her journey celebrates imagination, creative expression, and the courage to follow your dreams.

An Immersive Journey

Audiences will travel through Universal Preservation Hall, encountering scenes from Clara’s world along the way. The experience begins in the Stahlbaums’ parlor, where guests can enjoy appetizers provided by Albany’s The Cheese Traveler and beverages as party guests dance around the Christmas tree.

In the chapel, Drosselmeyer introduces a world of magic as guest choreographer Taylor Gordon brings dolls to life through choreography enhanced by magical effects curated by local magician Alan Edstrom. The journey continues through the hallway, where mice and soldiers protect a young Clara, before building toward the dramatic battle between the Rat King and the Nutcracker Prince in the Great Hall foyer.

As Clara grows from a young dreamer into a budding choreographer, her story continues beyond the dream and into real life. In the second act, guest choreographers put their own creative spin on the Land of the Sweets, blending familiar and new music with fresh choreography and artistic interpretations. The program also features new choreography by guest choreographer Juliette Rafael for the Grand Pas de Deux between the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

The Golden Nutcracker: The Audience Decides

The production culminates in a friendly choreographic competition, with audiences voting for their favorite interpretation. Only one choreographer will take home the Golden Nutcracker award.

Two performances feature distinct lineups, celebrating both visiting artists and local talent.

12:00 PM — Visiting Guest Choreographers

• Charles Scheland (Marzipan) — An expert in Lester Horton technique who teaches at The Ailey School, Steps on Broadway, and Jacob’s Pillow.
• Faith Farley (Chinese Tea) — A SUNY Purchase dance student pursuing a BFA with a concentration in choreography and composition and a minor in Arts Management.
• io Ermoli (Russian Dance) — Their work has been presented at the San Francisco Dance Film Festival, Digital Graffiti, Silo Dance Festival, and InRound Dance Fest.
• Danielle Diniz (Spanish Coffee) — A commissioned choreographer for organizations including Jacob’s Pillow, José Limón Dance Foundation, Stars of American Ballet, Ballet Hartford, and the Ailey BFA program.

5:00 PM — Local Guest Choreographers

• Grace McCafferty (Chinese Tea) — Draws on backgrounds in theater, dance, and social work, with choreography credits including local productions of Newsies and Legally Blonde.
• Sarah Nolan (Spanish Coffee) — Holds a BFA in Dance from DeSales University, with choreography featured in dance concerts and musical theater productions, including Sister Act Jr. and Legally Blonde Jr.
• Sara Senecal (Ribbon Candy) — Russell Sage College faculty member and Coordinator of Dance Programming, recipient of the 2024 New York State Choreographer Initiative Grant, and former member of the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company.
• Kiera Unverzagt (Russian) — Holds a BFA in Dance and a degree in Neuroscience from SUNY Brockport. Her training includes the National Museum of Dance in Saratoga Springs and Boston Ballet School, and her interests explore the intersection of movement and neuroscience.

Event Information

Nuts & Crackers: A New Holiday Tradition

Date: Sunday, November 22, 2026
Location: Universal Preservation Hall, 25 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs, NY

Performance Times and Entry

Each performance includes pre-show entertainment. Audience members select an entry time when purchasing tickets to help manage the flow of guests through the venue. The main performances begin at 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM, with each featuring a different lineup of guest choreographers.

12:00 PM Performance: 11:30 AM, 11:45 AM, or 12:00 PM entry
Featuring visiting guest choreographers

5:00 PM Performance: 4:30 PM, 4:45 PM, or 5:00 PM entry
Featuring local guest choreographers

Tickets: Purchase tickets through Proctors Collaborative

More Information: nacredance.org
Media Contact: info@nacredance.com

About Nacre Dance Group

Nacre Dance Group elevates dance through education programs, dance performances, and professional opportunities for local and visiting dancers and choreographers.

For more information, visit nacredance.org.

Nuts & Crackers is co-produced by Nacre Dance Group and Creative License Theater Collective Immersive.