Support Us
Give To The Max Day
Support the Magic of The Nutcracker — Right Here in Minnesota!
Celebrate Give to the Max Day 2025 by supporting Minnesota Ballet Theatre — where world-class artistry meets community passion. For over 25 years, founders and Vaganova graduates Svetlana Bak-Gavrilova and Kirill Bak-Stepanoff have shared the transformative power of ballet with Minnesota through both Minnesota Ballet School and Minnesota Ballet Theatre, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Each year, The Nutcracker brings joy to Twin Cities families and showcases collaboration between local dancers and world-class guest artists. Your donation ensures this cherished tradition continues to shine.
Why Your Support Matters
Your contribution directly helps us:
- Sustain Local Excellence: Train and inspire dancers right here in Minnesota.
- Support Guest Artists: Cover fair compensation, travel, and housing for professional dancers who make our productions exceptional.
- Create Stunning Productions: Fund costumes, sets, and stage design that bring ballet to life.
How Your Gift Helps
- Artist Fees: $13,000 – Professional guest artist compensation
- Travel: $3,000 – Flights for out-of-state and international artists
- Lodging & Meals: $6,500 – Hotel and food during rehearsals and shows
Goal: $22,500+
Donor Thank-You Gifts
We’re grateful for your support and want to celebrate your generosity:
- Bronze – $75
Personalized digital thank-you card - Silver – $150
Limited-edition Nutcracker poster signed by a guest artist - Gold – $300
Backstage tour and meet-the-dancers experience
(Thursday, December 11, 7:30–8:00 PM) - Platinum – $500+
All of the above and your name listed in the Nutcracker program as a supporte
Personalize your gift: You can include the name or role of a dancer you’d like to honor — your donation directly supports their artistry.
Together, we’re enriching Minnesota’s cultural landscape and keeping the magic of ballet alive for generations to come.
Minnesota Ballet Theatre
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization | Tax ID #47-1671971
Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Sponsorship Opportunities
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Support The Nutcracker and Celebrate the Arts with Minnesota Ballet Theatre
Minnesota Ballet Theatre, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing high-quality classical ballet to our community, is thrilled to present The Nutcracker this holiday season at the Eden Prairie Performing Arts Center, December 12–14, 2025.
This beloved tradition delights hundreds of local families each year, offering a magical experience that celebrates the arts and the spirit of the season. We invite local businesses to join us as community sponsors, helping keep the arts thriving while showcasing your brand to an engaged, family-oriented audience.
Sponsorships begin at just $100 and come with a variety of benefits designed to highlight your business while supporting local youth in the performing arts:
Clara’s Crew — $1,500
- Half-page ad in The Nutcracker program
- Prominent logo placement on “Thank You” signage in the lobby
- Social media acknowledgment before and after the performance
- Four VIP tickets to one performance
Nutcracker Princes & Princesses — $750
- Quarter-page ad in The Nutcracker program
- Logo on “Thank You” signage in the lobby
- Social media acknowledgment before and after the performance
- Two VIP tickets to one performance
Sugar Plum Fairies — $350
- Eighth-page ad in The Nutcracker program
- Logo on “Thank You” signage in the lobby
- Two complimentary tickets to one performance
Toy Soldiers — $100
- Logo featured in The Nutcracker program
All sponsorships must be confirmed by Saturday, November 22nd to be included in the production. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season, support local youth in the performing arts, and connect your business with a joyful community tradition.
Minnesota Ballet Theatre is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Tax ID #47-1671971
2025 FEATURED GUEST ARTISTS
ALIAKSANDRA KRUKAVA (Sugar Plum Fairy)
Aliaksandra is a proud graduate of the Minsk Ballet Academy, where she honed her skills before venturing into a transformative 6-month internship in Manchester, UK.
As a Principal Dancer at the Minsk State Theatre of Opera and Ballet and the Russian National Ballet, Aliaksandra has graced the stage with elegance and precision. Her repertoire includes iconic roles such as Odillia in "Swan Lake," Kitry in "Don Quixote," and Princess Aurora in "Sleeping Beauty."
A seasoned performer with an 8-year career, Aliaksandra's dance style is a fusion of dynamic energy and traditional grace, evident in her unforgettable portrayal of Kitry in "Don Quixote."
Join us in celebrating Aliaksandra's artistry—a dance journey that harmonizes body movements with musical rhythms, creating a visual masterpiece with every performance.
NURLAN KINERBAYEV (Sugar Plum FairyCavalier)
Born in the cultural heart of Taraz, Kazakhstan, Nurlan is a luminary in the world of ballet. A graduate of the Almaty Choreographic College and the University Bolashak, Kyzylorda, Nurlan's journey as a ballet dancer has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Nurlan's artistry has graced the stages of renowned ballet companies, including the Moscow City Ballet and the Russian National Ballet. His remarkable talent shines through a diverse repertoire of lead roles, encompassing iconic characters like Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, Basilio in Don Quixote, Prince Desire in Sleeping Beauty, and Albert in Giselle, to name a few.
Beyond his laurels as a laureate of International Ballet Competitions, Nurlan embodies versatility in his craft. A collaborative artist, he seamlessly navigates between drama, comedy, and romance, taking direction with finesse. Nurlan's dedication is unparalleled, practicing a role until it achieves perfection.
In every pirouette and grand jeté, Nurlan Mr Kinerbayev continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his artistic prowess and unwavering commitment to the timeless beauty of ballet.
ANDREW MCGEE (Nutcracker Prince)
Andrew, from Greenville, North Carolina, began his training at Greenville Civic Ballet before moving to Philadelphia to study at The Rock School for Dance Education under Peter Stark, Telmo Moreira, and Magaly Suarez.
He continued at the UNC School of the Arts, performing principal roles in The Nutcracker, Firebird, and Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco, as well as contemporary works including The Gardens That Were Watered for Us by Sidra Bell and Echoes by Ilya Kozadayev.
Andrew’s experience spans classical, contemporary, and neoclassical styles, reflecting his versatility and strong artistic foundation.
ANDREW LESTER (Herr Drosselmeyer)
Based in St. Paul, Andrew is an acclaimed dancer with nearly 20 years of experience in the Twin Cities dance community. He earned his BFA in Dance from the University of Minnesota in 2006 and has since established himself as a versatile and dedicated artist.
Andrew was a full-time company member of James Sewell Ballet for six seasons and has been performing with Shapiro & Smith Dance for over 12 years. As a freelance artist, he has collaborated with numerous esteemed Minnesota companies, including Twin Cities Ballet of MN, Metropolitan Ballet, Continental Ballet, Eclectic Edge Ensemble, Ethnic Dance Theatre, Stuart Pimsler Dance & Theater, and the Minnesota Opera.
In 2012, Andrew received a Sage Award for Outstanding Performer for his work in Shapiro & Smith’s Family and Joseph Morrissey’s One. Career highlights include performing for modern dance legend Merce Cunningham, studying under celebrated ballerina Anna-Marie Holmes, and premiering Titicut Follies: The Ballet with James Sewell Ballet in New York City and at the Festival de Danse in Cannes, France.
Andrew’s artistry continues to inspire dancers and audiences alike, reflecting a lifelong dedication to both performance and the vibrant Twin Cities dance scene.
Tevfik Bayram Vatansever (Snow Prince)
Tevfik is a versatile professional dancer, performer, and instructor with extensive experience in classical, contemporary, and character roles. He has performed with Charleston City Ballet, Ballet Spartanburg, Savannah Ballet Theatre, Carolina Ballet Theatre, Springfield Ballet Company, and numerous other companies, dancing principal and soloist roles in The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, Don Quixote, and Arabian Nights.
Trained internationally at the Royal Danish Ballet, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Istanbul State Opera and Ballet, and South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, Tevfik combines classical technique with a passion for contemporary work. He has attended and coached at numerous intensives, including University of South Carolina, Central Ballet Theatre, Ballet of York County, Griffin Ballet Theatre, and more.
In addition to his performance career, Tevfik is a dedicated instructor, certified in Bolshoi Ballet Levels Primary–5 and Character 1, and has led classes and workshops for students of all ages across the U.S. and internationally. He is committed to nurturing the next generation of dancers while sharing the artistry and discipline of ballet.
Awards include a Silver Medal at YAGP Atlanta (2013), Semi-Finalist at the 4th Istanbul International Ballet Competition (2014), and recognition as a Magellan and Benjamin A. Gilman Scholar for international study in dance and arts economics.
Christina Grace Duffy (Snow Princes)
Christina Grace is an accomplished professional dancer and guest artist with extensive experience in classical and contemporary ballet. She has performed with Robert Ivey Ballet, featuring roles in Cinderella, The Ugly Duckling, Carnival of the Animals, Peter Rabbit, The Fairy Doll, and Peter and the Wolf, and as the Sugar Plum in The Nutcracker with Robinson Ballet. She has also danced original contemporary works with Arles Youth Ballet Company and served as Artistic Director & Partner at Roanoke Ballet Theatre, performing lead roles in The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadère, Dracula, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
Christina trained under renowned instructors at Robert Ivey Ballet, Classical Ballet Centre, BalletMet, Charlotte Ballet, Magnolia Dance Academy, and Moscow Ballet, and has participated in intensive coaching with Norton Fantinel, Rolando Sarabia, Norbert Nirewicz, Patrick Delcroix, and other distinguished artists.
Her awards include recognition at the Valentina Kozlova International Ballet Competition (2025), Slavenska Prix – Ballet Grand Prix Vienna (2024), Top 12 at YAGP Winston-Salem (2019), and the ABT National Training Curriculum Merit Award (2019). Christina’s dedication to both performance and coaching brings inspiration and professional-level artistry to every stage.
ALESSANDRA CARTER (Porceline Doll, Arabian Solo, Snow/Flowers Solo)
Born in Houston, Texas, Alessandra Carter began dancing at a young age and pursued pre-professional training at the Vitacca School for Dance. At sixteen, she became a trainee at the Joffrey Academy in Chicago, performing works by Gerald Arpino and emerging choreographers such as Natasha Adorlee and Mike Tyus.
She continued her training at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School’s Graduate Program, performing with the company in productions including The Nutcracker and Beauty and the Beast. Alessandra then joined the Richmond Ballet Studio Company in 2024, performing in company productions such as Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella and Ma Cong’s original Pentaptych.
Alessandra has attended prestigious summer intensives at the Dutch National Ballet Academy, San Francisco Ballet School, and Boston Ballet School. She continues to perform in freelance productions while sharing her expertise as an instructor at Marianne Kelley’s School of Dance.
ALEC TRELSTAD (Rat King)
Alec Trelstad is a versatile dancer, actor, and visual artist from Minnesota. He has performed at numerous Twin Cities venues, including the Ritz Theater, The Guthrie Theater, and The Cowles Center.
This is Alec’s third year performing with Minnesota Ballet Theatre, and he is thrilled to bring his artistry to the stage once again. Alec encourages dancers of all styles to fully immerse themselves in ballet:
"It will challenge you, build confidence in your technique, and expand your musical expression."
Support Minnesota Ballet Theatre
Dear Patron,
As a non-profit 501(c)(3) performing art-educational dance company, Minnesota Ballet Theatre (MBT) is deeply committed to providing culture, music, and dance education to the Twin Cities area. Our mission is to prepare dancers of all ages to shine on professional stages, showcasing the beauty of classical ballet, contemporary, and modern repertoire.
Founded in 2014 by Svetlana Bak-Gavrilova and Kirill Bak-Stepanoff, esteemed graduates of the Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia, MBT has become a cherished part of the community. Our signature production, The Nutcracker, an authentically Russian classical ballet with Tchaikovsky's timeless music and the original Marius Petipa choreography, graces the winter Holiday Season each year. Additionally, our repertoire includes captivating productions like Peter and the Wolf, Carnival of the Animals, Great Halloween Adventure, Paquita, and Les Sylphides (Chopiniana).
As we continue our journey, we aspire to expand our company and bring more dazzling performances to our beloved audience. Our dream is to build a company with professional dancers and enrich future seasons with even more artistic delights.
Today, we humbly ask for your support, no matter the amount, to help us achieve this vision. Your contribution will have a lasting impact on the growth and success of Minnesota Ballet Theatre, empowering us to continue nurturing talent and sharing the magic of dance with our community.
We sincerely thank you for being a valued donor and for believing in our mission. Your generosity is an essential part of our journey, and with your help, we look forward to creating a bright future for MBT filled with extraordinary performances and unforgettable experiences.
Warmest regards,
Kirill Bak-Stepanoff
Executive Director, Minnesota Ballet Theatre