Madison Ballet
The Nutcracker
Friday, December 13 - Sunday, December 22
Overture Hall
$25 - $114
Runtime
2 hours with one intermission
Age Recommendation
All ages
Lap tickets required for all children 24 months or younger
$4 each
Purchase in person, day of the show
Madison Ballet's enchanting production of “The Nutcracker” returns, featuring choreography by Sara Stewart Schumann, Tom Mattingly and Ja’ Malik. This beloved holiday classic transports audiences into Clara's dreamlike adventure, beginning at a festive holiday party. As the night unfolds, Clara witnesses a battle between toy soldiers and mischievous mice, culminating in her victory with the help of her heroic Nutcracker. The journey continues to the Land of Sweets, led by the elegant Sugar Plum Fairy, where magical characters, such as waltzing flowers and twirling snowflakes, come to life. Tchaikovsky’s timeless music, performed by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Andrew Sewell, enhances this magical experience, making it a must-see for families and friends.
Madison Ballet goes “Behind the Curtain” on Friday, Dec. 13 with a special morning performance for students. This interactive program gives children the experience of a full production—and a special opportunity to speak with the cast—as the curtain is drawn to show how Act 1 transitions to Act 2. To sign up your school or get more information, call Madison Ballet at 608-278-7990, Monday-Friday, 9am to 3:30pm.
Overture Blog
Madison Ballet: Celebrating 20 years at Overture
Upcoming Dance Events
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November 7 - November 9
2025/26 Season, Dance The Rhythm Project
Promenade Hall
TNW Ensemble Theater's “The Rhythm Project” features a diverse array of Madison’s finest percussive dancers and musicians, with a recorded narration providing historical context and wry observations about these dance forms.
Multiple Showtimes -
December 4 - December 7
Dance, Family Friendly, Kanopy Dance Winter Fantasia: Reimagined
Promenade Hall
Kanopy lights up the stage for the holidays with “Winter Fantasia: Reimagined,” a dazzling dance celebration showcasing a mosaic of cultural traditions.
Multiple Showtimes -
December 12 - December 21
Dance, Family Friendly, Madison Ballet The Nutcracker
Overture Hall
Madison Ballet's The Nutcracker brings Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score to life with stunning choreography, lavish costumes and a dazzling cast of dancers from our company, school and community, under the glorious Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra conducted by Maestro Andrew Sewell.
Multiple Showtimes -
February 4
Wednesday
2025/26 Season, Dance, Overture Presents Step Afrika!'s The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence
Overture Hall
Watch as the energy of percussive dance, African traditions and contemporary movement collide. With powerful rhythms, storytelling and audience participation, this celebration of African culture and artistry will leave your heart pounding.
7:00 PM -
February 13 - February 15
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Promenade Hall
From tutus to combat boots, each work in "Pointes of View" offers a bold reinterpretation of classical technique, pushing boundaries while honoring ballet’s rich traditions.
Multiple Showtimes -
February 26
Thursday
2025/26 Season, Dance, Overture Presents Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
Overture Hall
From tutus to toe shoes, the all-male troupe transforms classical ballet into an outrageous, yet deeply skilled, spectacle. With impeccable technique, over-the-top personas and a touch of slapstick, the Trocks deliver a performance as breathtaking as it is hilarious.
7:30 PM -
March 14
Saturday
Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Kalaanjali Indian Dance Company
Rotunda Stage
Experience breathtaking stories of the East through the graceful postures, percussive feet, vibrant costumes and dynamic expressions of the Kalaanjali dancers.
Multiple Showtimes -
March 28
Saturday
Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Madison Ballet
Rotunda Stage
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the Madison Ballet like never before! Audience members will have an up-close experience of a ballet class warm up, barre practice, center floor work and choreography rehearsal.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 3 - April 5
Dance, Family Friendly, Madison Ballet ChoreograpHER
Starlight Theater MYARTS
The highlight of our 2025/26 season is a bold celebration of the female choreographic voice. Although women have long been the faces of ballet, they remain vastly underrepresented in choreography —especially women of color.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 4
Saturday
Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Trinity Irish Dance Academy
Overture Hall Main Lobby
Get ready for a high-energy showcase that will leave you breathless! In this performance, you’ll witness the incredible talent of Trinity students, some as young as 3.5 years old, as they bring traditional Irish steps and vibrant choreography to life on stage.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 11
Saturday
Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Limanya Drum and Dance
Rotunda Stage
Performing traditional music from Guinea and Mali, West Africa, Limanya Drum and Dance Ensemble incorporates song, dance, drum and theater into high-energy entertainment for all audiences.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 16 - April 19
Dance, Family Friendly, Kanopy Dance Divine Mythologies
Promenade Hall
Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble and Kanopy Dance collaborate on a rare remarkable performance of Anna Sokolow’s epic “Odes," a luminous, searing vision of humanity, unsparing in its demands for intense physical concentration and dramatic depth.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 18
Saturday
Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Duke Otherwise
Rotunda Stage
Don’t miss the wildly entertaining Duke Otherwise! This playful wordsmith, spirited performer and captivating tap dancer brings music and laughter to audiences of all ages.
Multiple Showtimes