What is one way to keep Grinnell on its toes? By bringing the Nutcracker ballet to town, of course! This year’s Thanksgiving weekend will premiere a huge production — or rather, a magical musical performance — right here in Grinnell!
When Ballet Des Moines contacted Sarah Smith about hosting the Nutcracker in Grinnell, it seemed like a great opportunity.
“I really wanted a more local connection if the production were to be held here,” says Smith. “So when they said we could have auditions here in Grinnell and cast local people, that’s when I got excited.” Local dancers from around Poweshiek County auditioned for the Nutcracker’s Grinnell performance last spring, and 30 of them were casted for the upcoming number. The performers range from 5-20 years old (including a Grinnell College student), and are now on their third rehearsal before the exciting premiere.
“Plus, we convinced Ballet Des Moines to host rehearsals here instead of having families drive to Des Moines,” smiles Smith. But to make the production possible, she recruited help from Monica St. Angelo at the Grinnell Area Arts Council, and Erin Bustin, the director of the Grinnell School of Music.
According to St. Angelo, Ballet Des Moines intentionally employs local dancers and performers in the area to put on these performances. “Outside of big cities like Chicago and Minneapolis, it is somewhat unusual in the Midwest to have a professional ballet company whose members are paid a living wage,” St. Angelo remarks, who is classically trained in ballet. “But it means jobs for both the professional and local dancers, and so it is important we support them as they consider pursuing a career like this in the future.”
On October 1, tickets dropped — so far, the show has already sold about 300 tickets for a 700-person venue at the Grinnell High School auditorium. “People throw around the word ‘world class,’ but this show is really that,” says Bustin. “Children having the opportunity to dance alongside professional dancers and train alongside them is really unique. For those 30 kids, this is an amazing life experience.”
The economic impact of the show is also expected to be huge. With 1,400 tickets on the line between two shows, people outside of Iowa are already calling ahead to secure their spots, according to St. Angelo. “We’ve been fielding calls for months already from people outside of Iowa who are planning to visit family over the holidays,” she says.
“This show is something the whole community can be excited about — it's a big deal!” laughs Bustin. “With the show’s success, we can expect a return of the Ballet Des Moines to put on a show.” Some businesses are already prepping for the Nutcracker craze — West Side Family Restaurant is offering a Nutcracker special menu that weekend and Bates Flowers by Design already ordered Nutcracker-themed merchandise.
For those wanting to watch the show, tickets are on sale online: $50 general adult admission and $10 child admission. With the help of the three organizations, child tickets were subsidized to support families experiencing a magical night together.
If your business would like to sponsor a part of the Nutcracker to help offset the subsidized ticket prices, contact Erin Bustin at director@grinnellschoolofmusic.org. Any sponsorship support helps! Tickets are on sale now, too and can be purchased for either 7 PM, Saturday, Nov. 29, or 1 PM, Sunday, Nov. 30: https://www.etix.com/ticket/o/193397/nutcrackeringrinnell.
According to Bustin, any seat in the auditorium is a great look at the magical show — plus, handicap accessible entryways and seating means anyone can enjoy the show!
Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:
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