Just a quick note to wish you all a wonderful holiday with friends and family next week! And to remind you that there will be classes held through Monday, November 25 (this scheduling is intentional and where Mondays "get caught up" with our Tuesday after Labor Day start) and the studio and office will be closed Tuesday-Saturday, November 26-30. We'll see you for Sunday classes on December 1!

There's still time to attend one of our Nutcracker productions on December 6-8. Don't miss this timeless classic! Iowa City is magical at this time of year, and our Nutcracker at The Englert lends to that charm!

This week's Nutcracker Insider is a behind-the-scenes look at the battle scene! As always, our Ballet Director, Mauro Villanueva, has given us a peak into how this year's battle scene will look a bit different.


​The audience can look forward to seeing an increase in the difficulty of the steps, in order to challenge the dancers and showcase their talent. 

​"We are also changing the formations throughout the scene this year, giving more opportunity for dancers to be seen." Said Mauro, "And, adding some things that might make the audience smile or even chuckle." IN preparation of the early December performances, Mauro thought it'd be fun to have the two battle scene teams interact with each other. 

To give you a first-hand look at the creative process of this year's battle scene, take a look at Mauro's notes below!

We are thrilled to announce the dates and important information for our Spring Recitals! There is a wealth of information in this blog post, so please read it carefully and let us know if you have any questions!

Saturday, May 23 at Nolte Academy
Afternoon times for each class TBD

Tuesday, May 26 at Coralville Center for the Performing Arts 
7:00pm

Friday, May 29 - 31 at Hancher Auditorium
*times listed below

We're bringing back Nutcracker Insider to give our audience a sneak peek into what's different about this year's Nolte Nutcracker! Each year we work to deliver a timeless performance with small personal touches to fit our studio.

This year, unlike last year, Clara’s character will not grow up! "This year's cast is a little younger overall," said Mauro, "in addition, our younger dancers are ready to take on this tough role." This should also make it easier for the younger audience follow the story from start to finish. 

“To me, Clara represents imagination and curiosity. We don’t know why she journeys into this dreamland where different places are represented." Added Mauro, "I imagine that her dreams reflect her curiosity about the world. Both the parts that she interacts with every day and those she might her about in school or from her magical Uncle Drosselmeyer”.

In addition, because of Clara’s “new role” we will be able to see Clara and the
Nutcracker Prince dance a bit more this year. You'll see the central character have more presence and recognition in the story. Along with this change to Clara's role, Mauro said that the Nolte Nutcracker will "continue to evolve in order to highlight the dancers who audition to participate so that the dancers’ strengths are highlighted each year." 

This year's performance is sure to entertain and impress! Stay tuned for more Nutcracker Insiders and don't forget to secure to seats in the Englert!