The Nutcracker Tea Is Days Away . . . And Special Guests Will Attend!
by Emilee Micah Butler
“We attended the nutcracker tea party last year as a last-minute gift from a friend, and it was such a fun surprise for our two year old who had just started ballet classes. She LOVED getting special hot chocolate and ‘grown up’ treats and ornaments at our table. She watched completely enraptured as the ballet unfolded in an easy-to-follow version of The Nutcracker, and she loved dancing with the ballerinas and sitting on the floor to watch. She's watched the videos I took over and over and is so excited to go again and bring all of her friends this year. It's 100% our favorite Christmas memory of 2024 and a lovely introduction to the classic story. So excited to attend every year as a new Christmas tradition!” - Laura Ulveling
Stories like this have made the Hilliard Institute so excited to be hosting this unique Nutcracker event again! Unlike a typical Nutcracker show, the Laugh Love Leap Nutcracker Tea is an interactive experience for kids and adults alike. This event offers sweet treats for every guest, a 35-minute dance show (including a section where the kids themselves can become a part of the story!), and a photo opportunity where guests can meet and interact with their favorite characters.
The dancers themselves agree that the tea is an experience that is wonderfully unique compared to other performance opportunities—and that it brings charm to the Nutcracker in all new ways.
“When I danced in the Nutcracker Tea it was special because there weren’t that many guys on stage at one time, so I was able to lean into my character and see the kids light up and cheer when I did” — Jacob Blue (Candy Cane, 2024)
“The Nutcracker Tea was a fun experience to be a part of as a dancer because of the joy it brought to all the kids. I loved getting to see the kids be able to interact with the story and the dancers.” — Keeley Dunlap (Flower, 2024)
“Playing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Nutcracker Tea last year was such a unique and rewarding experience. It was so special to bring joy to the audience through this approachable and exciting adaptation of this beloved ballet. Isabella has created a one-of-a-kind Nutcracker that is suitable for both young and old alike, and I will forever cherish the memories I made performing in it! I am so grateful for the Nutcracker Tea experience and cannot wait to come see it again in future years.” – Abigail Dorn (Sugar Plum Fairy, 2024)
Even guests said it was a stunning show and that they “loved watching all our dance friends take on these memorable and beautiful nutcracker dances. It’s really fun watching all the little kids who come and enjoy this Christmas tradition and even participate at times!” – Christi Bissell (Studio LLL mom)
We all look back with much joy on last year's tea, and this year, the magic will only be bigger! We will be joined from England by the Chancellor of the Hilliard Institute and his wife, Dr. David and Celia Woodfine. David is the retired High Steward of Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford England, Master of the Oxford Guild of Chefs, and a former butler to royalty! Their presence will add to the enchantment of the event and will undoubtedly make it even more special.
The Hilliard Institute: Dr. David Woodfine, Celia Woodfine, Jessa Rose Sexton, Rosemary J. Hilliard, Dr. K. Mark Hilliard
The 10 a.m. show is already sold out—but there are still tickets available for the 3 p.m. show. Get tickets while seats are still available . . . and get excited!! This unique Nutcracker Tea is a show like no other—and we can’t wait to share the holiday magic with all of you!