We are thrilled to announce that Dance Elements will be adding a Nutcracker performance experience for Fall 2026!

This special holiday production will give our dancers an exciting opportunity to grow artistically and be part of a magical seasonal tradition. While details are still being finalized, we cannot wait to begin sharing more about auditions, rehearsals, performances, and all the exciting plans ahead. Stay tuned — we are so excited to bring A Nutcracker Performance to Dance Elements!

Performance: Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 2:00pm
Location: The R.L. Davis Auditorium at the Texas School for the Deaf
1102 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704

Note: Students in Grades 2–3 and above are eligible to audition for Act I and participate in Act II pieces. Preschool and K-1 classes will have a separate Christmas presentation Dec 12th.

ACT I — Audition-Based Classical Ballet

Act I will be based on classical ballet choreography and classical Tchaikovsky music. This is an audition-based opportunity. Participation in Act I is not part of the regular Act II class experience.

Act I Costumes & Cost 

If your dancer is cast in Act I, the participation fee is $225, payable in three $75 payments. Costumes will be provided by Dance Elements but dancers will be asked to provide their own tights and undergarments. 

Act I Rehearsals

Act I rehearsals will take place on Saturdays from 1:00 PM onward. Attendance is mandatory for all rehearsals, so please review the schedule carefully before signing up. Students are allowed to miss one (1) Saturday rehearsal only, but are required to learn any missed choreography (videos will be provided). 

Act I Rehearsal schedule:

• Sept. 19: No rehearsals

• Sept. 26: Rehearsal

• Oct. 3: Rehearsal

• Oct. 10: No rehearsals

• Oct. 17: Rehearsal

• Oct. 24: Rehearsal

• Oct. 31: No rehearsals

• Nov. 7: Rehearsal

• Nov. 14: Rehearsal

• Nov. 21: Rehearsal

• Nov. 28: No rehearsals

• Dec. 5: Onstage rehearsal, dress rehearsal & performance
  Location TBD

Act I Rehearsal times:

• Battle Scene: 1:00–3:00 PM

• Party Scene: 1:00–3:00 PM

• Snow Scene: 3:00–4:30 PM

Rehearsal times may be extended if additional rehearsal time is needed.

*Important
Nutcracker Unwrapped will be a paid, ticketed event for parents and guests. Complimentary tickets will not be provided. The deadline to sign up for Act I is Wednesday, September 9.

ACT II — Technique Class Based Choreography 

Act II is designed around the dance technique your dancer is currently enrolled in. These pieces are separate from the Act I audition and Saturday rehearsals.

Who can participate in Act II?

• Dancers in Grades 2–3 and above

• Dancers will participate in the technique(s) they are currently enrolled in.

Act II pieces will be taught during regular technique class times.

The following classes will not participate in Act II:

• Acro

• Pointe

• Open Ballet

• Leaps & Turns

Act II Rehearsals

Choreography will be taught during the dancer's regularly scheduled technique classes.

Onstage Dress Rehearsal & Performance:
Saturday, December 5 at 2:00pm
Location: The R.L. Davis Auditorium at the Texas School for the Deaf (1102 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704)

Act II Costumes & Cost

Each dancer participating in an Act II piece will need to purchase an accessories package for each dance style. Dancers will be responsible for providing their own costume base (i.e. specific leotard color, tights and/or leggings/pants, and appropriate shoes.)

Estimated cost per accessory package: approximately $20 per dance style.

*Important
Nutcracker Unwrapped will be a paid, ticketed event for parents and guests. Complimentary tickets will not be provided.