The Nutcracker 2024

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Elena , originally from Rockville, Maryland, began her ballet training at the age of four at the American Dance Institute under the tutelage of Pamela Bjerknes, Erin Mahoney-Du, and Runqiao Du. Her dedication to dance led her to attend prestigious summer intensives, including the Kirov Academy of Ballet, The Bolshoi Ballet, The Rock School, and Ballet West.

During her early training, Elena was selected for the Kennedy Center Masterclass Series for two consecutive years and competed in the Youth America Grand Prix semi-finals and New York City Finals. She also performed as a soloist at the Tanzolymp Dance Festival in Berlin, Germany.

Elena completed her formal training at the Akhmedova Ballet Academy, where she studied for four years before joining First State Ballet Theatre (FSBT) in Wilmington, Delaware. Over her four seasons with FSBT, she performed in nearly every major classical ballet, taking on notable roles such as Cupid in Don Quixote, Canary Fairy in The Sleeping Beauty, Ocean and Pearls Pas de Trois, and the Pas de Deux from Flames of Paris. She also collaborated with choreographer Viktor Plotnikov on the premieres of Romeo and Juliet and Dracula.

In the 2021/22 season, Elena joined Bowen McCauley Dance Company, performing Exuberant Fanfare and Insistent Music by Lucy Bowen McCauley at the Kennedy Center’s Eisenhower Stage during the company’s 25th Anniversary Performance. Concurrently, she became a Resident Guest Artist at Wilmington Ballet, where she performed roles such as Dewdrop and Snow Queen in The Nutcracker, Waltz from Les Sylphides, and The Dying Swan.

In 2022, Elena moved to Dallas and is now in her third season with Pegasus Contemporary Ballet. She has performed works by artistic director Diana Crowder and choreographers Daniel Palladino, Michelle Thompson, Joshua Puegh, Thang Dao, Daniel Ojeda, Sean Aaron Carmon, Carrie Ruth Trumbo, and Kevin Jenkins.

Originally from Ogden, Utah, Jonathan began dancing at the age of five and continued through middle and high school. His early ballet training took root at the Julie Moffitt Ballet School in Richmond, Virginia, where he discovered his passion for dance.

At age 19, he embarked on rigorous training at Ballet West Academy under esteemed coaches Nikolai Moroz and Jeff Rogers. He then continued his studies with Richmond Ballet, working closely with mentors Igor Antonov and Deanna Seay, and participated in the company’s performances, including The Nutcracker.

Jonathan’s professional career began with Nevada Ballet Theatre in Ben Stevenson's Dracula, and he went on to dance with New Orleans Ballet Theatre for three years. With NOBT, he brought characters to life in soloist roles in Romeo and Juliet, Carmina Burana, The Nutcracker, and Dracula, showcasing his range and expressive talent.

Having performed in diverse ballets, from Swan Lake to Romeo and Juliet, Jonathan is eager to bring his artistry to Minnesota audiences. This season, he’s especially excited to debut in Minnesota—a place he had yet to visit—and to perform with such a prestigious academy.

Don’t miss the magic of Jonathan’s performance as he brings elegance, strength, and warmth to the role of the Sugar Plum Cavalier. 

Andrew  is a highly acclaimed professional dancer based in St. Paul. In 2006, he earned his BFA in Dance from the University of Minnesota, marking the beginning of a nearly two-decade-long journey as a prominent figure in the Twin Cities dance community.

For six seasons, Andrew served as a full-time company member of the renowned James Sewell Ballet, contributing significantly to the company's artistic endeavors. Additionally, he has been an integral part of the local modern dance scene, dedicating over 12 years to Shapiro & Smith Dance, a prominent modern dance company in the Twin Cities.

Andrew's artistic versatility extends to his role as a freelance artist, collaborating with esteemed Minnesota-based companies such as Twin Cities Ballet of MN, Metropolitan Ballet, Continental Ballet, Eclectic Edge Ensemble, Ethnic Dance Theatre, Stuart Pimsler Dance & Theater, and the Minnesota Opera.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the dance world, Andrew received the prestigious Sage Award for Outstanding Performer in 2012. This accolade was a testament to his exceptional work in Shapiro & Smith's production of "Family" and Joseph Morrissey's "One."

Throughout his illustrious career, Andrew has had the privilege of performing for modern dance legend Merce Cunningham. He has also received guidance from celebrated ballerina Anna-Marie Holmes, enriching his artistic journey with invaluable mentorship.

Among his notable achievements, Andrew had the honor of premiering "Titicut Follies: The Ballet" with James Sewell Ballet, both in New York City and at the Festival de Danse in Cannes, France. These experiences stand as significant highlights in a career marked by dedication, artistry, and a profound impact on the dance community.

We are thrilled to introduce Sam as this season’s Snow Prince and Spanish lead in The Nutcracker! Originally from Australia, Sam’s journey in dance has taken him from his early training at the Atelier School for Classical Ballet to esteemed roles on stages worldwide. Sam continued his studies on scholarship at The McDonald College in Australia, where he danced with Premier State Ballet under the guidance of Josephine Jason and Allan Cross.

After completing summers with Milwaukee Ballet, he joined Milwaukee Ballet II in 2010. During his time there, Sam danced in acclaimed productions, including Lila York’s Celts, Salvatore Aiello’s Clowns and Others, and Michael Pink’s Dracula and Esmeralda. He joined Minnesota Ballet in 2012, where he graced the stage in memorable roles like the Prince in The Nutcracker, Kostchei in The Firebird, and Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake.

Now with Eugene Ballet, Sam has taken on leading roles in Toni Pimble’s The Nutcracker and The Little Mermaid, among others. He has also performed as a guest artist with companies such as St. Lucie Ballet, Ballet Co.Laboratory, and Minnesota Dance Theatre.

Join us as Sam brings his talent and passion to our Nutcracker stage, bringing holiday magic and charm to the roles of the Snow Prince and Spanish lead. 

Alec, a multifaceted artist hailing from Minnesota, boasts talents as a dancer, actor, and visual artist. His performances have graced various venues across the Twin Cities, including the Ritz Theater, The Guthrie Theater, and The Cowles Center.

This marks Alec's third classical ballet appearance under the training of MN Ballet School, and he expresses genuine excitement for the opportunity to showcase his dance prowess. Reflecting on his journey, Alec shares a powerful message, stating, "I encourage dancers of any discipline or style to immerse yourself in this amazing art form. It's not only a challenge that refines your technique but also a journey that expands your confidence and stretches the boundaries of your musical expression."

Alec's commitment to the arts and his passion for dance shine through, making him a dynamic force in Minnesota's vibrant artistic community.

"Peter and the Wolf' is the tale of a brave little boy, who together with his friend the bird, traps a frightening wolf who is threatening the safety of the village," according to a news release.

"Musical instruments in the orchestral accompaniment represent each character in the ballet; narration throughout the performance helps the audience follow the story. The narrative assists even the youngest audience members in appreciating the delightful dances of Peter, Bird, Cat, Duck, Wolf and even Grandfather."

This ever-popular musical work by Camille Saint-Saëns is now enhanced with dance steps in a new and thoroughly entertaining Ballet. The Carnival has never been so alive! The animals are having a carnival. There's the majestic lion, the braying mules, the dancing elephant, and the bouncy kangaroos. Even the fossils invited! With following most famous Dying Swan choreographed by Michael Fokin for Anna Pavlova. A timeless children's classic Carnival of the Animals Is clever, charming and musically sophisticated.

Original Halloween Adventure — an exciting (and only slightly spooky) dance production for the whole family. Spooky things can happen on Halloween, but the forces of Good are very strong, and Good will win out in the end.

Grand Pas from the ballet “Paquita” is known worldwide for its choreography by M. Petipa and music by Leon Minkus. "Colorful costumes, inventive choreography and ageless music combine to make a memorable experience for theatergoers of all ages," the release said.

Originally entitled Chopiniana, this ballet was first  premiered in St. Petersburg in 1907  at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint PetersburgRestructured and presented in the first 1909 Ballets Russes season in Paris under Diaghilev's title, Les Sylphides, Fokine created this dance suite unifying music and movement in an implied drama of Romanticism. Les Sylphides is famous as the first "abstract" classical ballet without narrative structure or defined characters.