The Dance Institute at The University of Akron will present the world premiere of The Akron Nutcracker in collaboration with Verb Ballets and the Akron Symphony on December 16 & 17, 2021 at E.J. Thomas Hall. The magic of Akron will once again come to life, with this twist on the traditional Nutcracker featuring all new stunning sets and costumes augmented by video projections. Envision an idyllic walk down Main Street and spending Christmas Eve with the Seiberling family at Stan Hywet. Dancers with The University of Akron’s Dance Institute and Dance Program will join the stage alongside the Verb Ballets company dancers for these holiday performances. This production is one of the few in Ohio that feature live orchestration of Tchaikovsky’s beloved score conducted by Maestro Christopher Wilkins.

The artistic vision for this new production is led by Verb Ballets’ Dr. Margaret Carlson and is produced by the Dance Institute at The University of Akron. A team of local choreographers have been engaged to celebrate diversity that reflects the rich composition of Akron’s community. This major collaboration gives young students the opportunity to perform side by side with professional dancers and musicians. Rounding out the many local collaborators of this production is the Firestone High School Choir and ArtSparks. This holiday tradition will bring families the joy of The Nutcracker and showcase Akron’s many assets.