The Nutcracker

When the curtain rises, professionally trained Eastern Connecticut Ballet dancers and guest artists Emily Kikta and Preston Chamblee of New York City Ballet share the spotlight in this nautical-themed live performance of “The Nutcracker.”  Set in New London in the 1850s, the scenery celebrates southeastern Connecticut’s seafaring past and transforms the stage into a wintry day in the whaling city. Stage sets display tall ships in port, the New London Custom House, Whale Oil Row, lighthouses, and a sea captain’s Victorian home.

Tchaikovsky’s celebrated music carries the audience through an enchanting journey as Clara and her new friend, the Nutcracker, travel through a magical world of Arctic ice fields where whaling ships once ventured on harrowing voyages!

Three magical performances will take place

December 14^th at 1:30pm
December 14^th at 7:00pm
December 15^th at  1:30pm

All ticket purchases are final and non-refundable.

EMILY KIKTA BIO

Emily Kikta was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and began her dance training at the Thomas Studio of Performing Arts in Pittsburgh before studying at the Ballet Academy of Pittsburgh.

Ms. Kikta began studying at the School of American Ballet (SAB), the official school of New York City Ballet, during the summer 2006 course and enrolled as a full-time student in 2008.

Ms. Kikta became an apprentice with NYCB in October 2010 and joined the Company as a member of the corps de ballet in August 2011.

Ms. Kikita was promoted to the rank of soloist in January 2022.

PRESTON CHAMBLEE BIO

Preston Chamblee was born in Wendell, North Carolina and began his dance training at the age of 14 at the Raleigh School of Ballet under Mary Legere and Pablo Perez. He continued his training at the International Ballet Academy in Apex, North Carolina from 2010 to 2013.

Mr. Chamblee studied at the School of American Ballet (SAB), the official school of New York City Ballet, during the 2012 and 2013 summer courses, and enrolled as a full-time student in 2013.

Mr. Chamblee was named an apprentice with NYCB in August 2014 and joined the Company as a member of the corps de ballet in February 2015.

Mr. Chamblee was promoted to the rank of soloist in January 2022.

Special pricing is available for Children ages 12 & younger.
Choose seats then select Child 12& Under ticket type from the drop-down on each ticket for a Child 12 & Under, then click Check Out.

Senior, Military & Groups (15 ppl +) discounted tickets only available in person and over the phone at the Garde Box Office! 860-444-7373 x1

Eastern Connecticut Ballet is a nonprofit organization and the shoreline’s premier school for dance education.