Metropolitan Youth Ballet to present annual ‘Nutcracker’ spectacular

The Metropolitan Youth Ballet of Indiana (formerly Ballet Theatre of Carmel Academy) announces its highly anticipated production of The Nutcracker from Dec. 20 to 22 at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville.

This beloved holiday classic, featuring stunning choreography, vintage hand-painted backdrops, enchanting music, and beautiful costumes, will bring the season’s magic to life for audiences of all ages. The Metropolitan Youth Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker features a cast of more than 70 talented dancers ages 5 to 18 from across the metro Indianapolis region under the direction of Artistic Director Jane Hachiya-Weiner and Associate Artistic Director Frank Weiner.

Production dates and times:

• Friday, Dec. 20: 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 21: 2 and 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 22: 2 p.m.
• Location: STAR Bank Performing Arts Center, 1000 Mulberry St., Zionsville
• Ticket Information: $22 Child/Senior/Military; $27 Adult at my-ballet.org/nutcracker

Off-stage, the beautifully decorated theatre lobby will play host to the Sugar Plum Boutique for last-minute holiday shopping, the Land of Sweets Bake Sale for a delicious intermission treat, and a post-show cast meet and greet, including photo and autograph opportunities, all included in the ticket price.

“We are incredibly excited to bring this classic holiday ballet to the stage with our pre-professional company dancers – many of whom have been training with MYB for years – along with special guest artists from the nationally recognized collegiate ballet programs at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and Butler University Jordan College of the Arts,” Hachiya-Weiner said. “Our production will showcase our talented dancers’ artistry and provide countless experiences for the Indianapolis, Boone County, and Hamilton County communities to experience the joy and wonder of The Nutcracker.”

While The Nutcracker is a long-standing part of MYB’s repertoire (performed since 2011), 2024’s production is particularly significant as it is the premier performance staged under MYB’s new branding.

“It’s an exciting new chapter for us, and we can’t wait to share it with families across Central Indiana,” Board of Directors Interim President Kara Stephenson said. “We are the same organization, presenting the same professional-level, family-friendly Nutcracker, just under a new name, and we invite guests to join us for what we promise will be another magical celebration of ballet and the holiday season!”