PA Ballet Presents Sensory Friendly Version of THE NUTCRACKER

Philadelphia's favorite holiday tradition returns as Pennsylvania Ballet and Artistic Director Angel Corella present George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. Presented by Cigna, performances run December 8-31 at the Academy of Music.

"The excitement for George Balanchine's The Nutcracker continues to grow each year as Philadelphians enjoy the holidays with us," said Angel Corella. "We are excited to continue to bring this holiday tradition to Philadelphia and make it more accessible to all through our Community Engagement programs including our sensory friendly performance."

Immerse yourself in the tale of Marie and the Prince as they battle the Mouse King, dance in a glistening snow fall, and celebrate in the land of sweets. Dancers from The School of Pennsylvania Ballet join company members in this exquisite production with magical costumes and sets. The iconic Tchaikovsky score performed live by the Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra with accompaniment by the Philadelphia Boys Choir, makes this a holiday classic that audiences will love.

Sensory Friendly Performance

Once again, Pennsylvania Ballet is proud to offer a specially adjusted sensory-friendly performance on the main stage of the Academy of Music. In partnership with Art Reach, Pennsylvania Ballet will offer a theater experience focused on providing a relaxed atmosphere that is welcoming and inclusive of children and families with a wide range of sensory, learning, and communication differences including autism spectrum. The program gives families space to move around, permission to speak during the performance, and areas to decompress with assistance from trained staff. Prior to the performance families will be provided Program and Facility Guide Books which outline the story of The Nutcracker with visual images and the layout of the Academy of Music. Since its great success last year, with over 1000 visitors in attendance, Pennsylvania Ballet is pleased to offer this performance again so that more families can enjoy this beloved tradition. The sensory friendly performance will be held on December 27, 2017 at 12:00 PM at The Academy of Music.

Performances at the Academy of Music:

• Friday December 8 at 7:00 PM
• Saturday December 9 at 2:00 PM
• Saturday December 9 at 7:00 PM
• Sunday December 10 at 12:00 PM
• Sunday December 10 at 5:00 PM
• Friday December 15 at 11:00 AM Student matinee performance
• Friday December 15 at 7:00 PM
• Saturday December 16 at 12:00 PM
• Saturday December 16 at 5:00 PM
• Sunday December 17 at 12:00 PM
• Sunday December 17 at 5:00 PM
• Friday December 22 at 2:00 PM
• Friday December 22 at 7:00 PM
• Saturday December 23 at 11:00 AM
• Saturday December 23 at 3:00 PM
• Saturday December 23 at 7:00 PM
• Sunday December 24 at 12:00 PM
• Tuesday December 26 at 2:00 PM
• Wednesday December 27 at 12:00 PM Sensory Friendly performance
• Wednesday December 27 at 5:00 PM
• Thursday December 28 at 12:00 PM
• Thursday December 28 at 5:00 PM
• Friday December 29 at 2:00 PM
• Saturday December 30 at 12:00 PM
• Saturday December 30 at 5:00 PM
• Sunday December 31 at 12:00 PM

Nutcracker Magic

(Saturday, December 9, 2017 12PM)

Venture to the Land of the Sweets this holiday season with Pennsylvania Ballet. Stop at a craft station before meeting the Sugar Plum Fairy, toy soldier, and other festive characters, then savor a delicious seasonal meal provided by the Hyatt at the Bellevue-a Philadelphia Luxury Hotel. Experience a special display by Moore College of Art & Design of original Nutcracker Dolls that were crafted through our annual contest with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Following the party, you and your guests will be escorted to the Academy of Music for the matinee performance of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. Proceeds from this event benefit the ballet's Community Engagement programs. Tickets available online at paballet.org, or by contacting Rachael Glashan Rupisan at rrupisan@paballet.org.

Tea with the Sugarplum Fairy at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

(Sunday, December 10 and Saturday, December 16 at 2:30PM)

Join the star of Philadelphia's most anticipated holiday tradition for a magical afternoon of tea and tutus at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Enjoy a delectable buffet and photo opportunity with the Sugarplum Fairy and experience a captivating performance of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. To order, contact Manager of Sales and Audience Engagement Arajua Backman at abackman@paballet.org.

About Pennsylvania Ballet

Founded in 1963 by Balanchine student and protégée Barbara Weisberger, Pennsylvania Ballet is one of the nation's leading ballet companies. In its most diverse season yet, the Pennsylvania Ballet presents six programs featuring two full length classical ballets, Balanchine classics, contemporary works, world premieres, and the Philadelphia holiday tradition, George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. For more information, visit pabllet.org, call 215.551.7000 or connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to get a behind the scenes looks at our dancers in the studio and onstage.