By Jesse North & Dave Tavani, JerseyArts.com
originally published: 12/21/2021
'Tis the season for tradition and this one's extra special: the New Jersey Ballet production of "The Nutcracker" is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Considered to be the longest-running professional production in New Jersey, this "Nutcracker" has been performed more than 900 times by more than 6,000 performers. Performances run until December 26.
Waltz in with Jesse and Dave as they talk with some of the people bringing this exuberant event to life.
About the author: Jesse North is a journalist whose coverage through video and print includes breaking news, politics, crime, and entertainment, with a focus on diversity and inclusion in the arts. In addition to JerseyArts.com, Jesse’s work has been seen on NBC News, Us Weekly, Broadway.com, Entertainment Weekly, People, and 92nd Street Y. | Dave Tavani is a freelance videographer and still photographer based in the Philadelphia area. In recent years, Dave has worked on a variety of projects, mostly for nonprofit and arts organizations. In addition to JerseyArts.com, he works on video projects for McCarter Theatre Center, The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, Visit Philadelphia, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and ArtPride New Jersey.
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EVENT PREVIEWS
Roxey Ballet's Latin Creations Celebrates 30 Years of Artistic Excellence with a Powerful Showcase of Culture, Legacy, and World-Class Dance
(NEW HOPE, PA) -- On Friday, May 1, 2026, Roxey Ballet presents Latin Creations—an electrifying evening of dance that honors the company's rich history while showcasing the extraordinary talent of its acclaimed artists. This dynamic program brings together powerful storytelling, cultural depth, and bold contemporary vision, reaffirming Roxey Ballet's role as a leading force in regional and national dance. Showtime is 7:00pm.
RVCC to Present Evening of Student, Faculty Dance Performances
(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- Raritan Valley Community College's Arts & Design department will present DanceWorks, an evening of student and faculty dance performances, on April 30 and May 1, 2026 at 7:00pm each night. The event will be held in the Edward Nash Theatre at the College's Branchburg campus. The Director of RVCC's dance program, Loretta Fois, will produce the concert.
Roxey Ballet Company presents Latin Creations on Friday
(NEW HOPE, PA) -- Roxey Ballet Company presents Latin Creations on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 7:00pm. This is an evening of three new & original works by Mark Roxey and Giovanni Ravelo, celebrating 30 years of Roxey Ballet.
Ballet Arts and Adelphi Orchestra Present Coppélia for Ballet Arts' 50th Anniversary Season
(RIVER EDGE, NJ) -- Ballet Arts marks its 50th anniversary season this spring with a joyful new production of Coppélia, presented in collaboration with the Adelphi Orchestra. Performances will take place May 2 and 3, 2026, at River Dell High School in Oradell, featuring live orchestral accompaniment, guest artists, and a multigenerational cast of local dancers and students.
American Repertory Ballet to Close Out Season with "Americana"
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- American Repertory Ballet's 2025/26 season finale at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) will shine bright with Americana — a vibrant mixed-repertoire performance that celebrates the spirit of our country in honor of its 250th anniversary. Presented May 1-3, 2026, this dynamic program features two iconic works by George Balanchine - Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux and an excerpt from Stars and Stripes - plus World Premieres by ARB Company Dancer Michelle Quiner and ARB's acclaimed Artist in Residence, Ethan Stiefel.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to NJPAC for Mother's Day Weekend
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Beloved as one of the world's most popular dance companies, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater completes its 20-city coast-to-coast United States tour at Newark's New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) from Friday-Sunday, May 8-10, 2026.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to NJPAC for Mother's Day Weekend
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Beloved as one of the world's most popular dance companies, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater completes its 20-city coast-to-coast United States tour at Newark's New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) from Friday-Sunday, May 8-10, 2026. In what has become a Mother's Day weekend tradition for tri-state residents, the AILEY Company returns for the 27th time as NJPAC's Principal Resident Affiliate, performing annually at Prudential Hall since 1997 (except for 2020-21 pandemic shutdown).
Nimbus Dance presents "Sum of Parts"
(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Nimbus Dance, a Jersey City-based contemporary company committed to creating physically compelling work rooted in community and cultural exchange, announces its Spring Season, Sum of Parts, May 15–16, 2026, with performances at the Nimbus Arts Center in Jersey City. Showtime is 8:00pm each night.
