(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Nimbus Dance’s Jersey City Nutcracker returns with 13 performances of this acclaimed production, ingeniously weaving together holiday cheer with a thrilling, jazzy interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s classic. Presented at the new Nimbus Arts Center, and performed by the remarkable professional dance artists of Nimbus Dance, this local tradition delights audiences young and old with a quirky and lovable story of two Jersey City kids and their city adventure, filled with magic, battles, dance, and friendship.  The show runs from December 9-23, 2022.

Nimbus Dance performs Artistic Director Samuel Pott’s choreography against a dazzling backdrop of full-scale sets and fantastical projections of illustrated scenes, designed by Jersey City artists Laia Carbrera and Isabelle Duverger. With a delightful libretto co-written by Alysia Souder and Samuel Pott, Jersey City Nutcracker transports audiences across the city - through parks, lively avenues, deserted alleyways, sewers (for an epic battle scene!) and back to the City Hall, with surprises, cheer, and a message of hope and resilience along the way. 

“When young people see stories where they can recognize themselves, a special connection happens that makes theater and dance come alive. A family trip to the theater becomes an indelible experience that stays with families and young people for years to come,” remarked Nimbus’ founding Artistic Director, Samuel Pott. “We hope audiences support local and join us for this magical show at the Nimbus Arts Center!”

Jersey City Nutcracker draws together a cast of Nimbus’ professional company dancers, 100+ youth from all over Jersey City, and local celebrities to present an unforgettable holiday experience. Debuting in the youth lead roles of Maria and Chris/Christina are Izzy Baculod (McNair High School), Jadyn Mayo (Valley View Middle School), Chelsea Mugambe (High Tech High School), Beta Vino (All Saints Episcopal Day School), & Nola Walker (Snyder High School).

Performance Dates: Friday, December 9 at 7:00pm; Saturday, December 10 at 3:00pm & 7:00pm; Sunday, December 11 at 3:00pm* & 7:00pm*; Friday, December 16 at 7:00pm; Saturday, December 17 at 3:00pm & 7:00pm; Sunday, December 18 at 3:00pm & 7:00pm; Wednesday, December 21 at 7:00pm; Thursday, December 22 at 7:00pm; Friday, December 23 at 3:00pm & 7:00pm. * Ticket Add on Available for Hot Chocolate with Sugar Plum and Friends.

Tickets range from $22-$40 and are available for purchase online. Group rates available upon request.

Attendees can expect wholesome (albeit, a little wacky!) holiday fun with artisan gift vendors, holiday art market, and more!

On December 11th, there will be a special Nutcracker themed Family event from 5:15pm - 6:45 pm: Hot Chocolate with Sugar Plum & Friends! Take a picture with Sugar Plum and some other favorite characters, enjoying a hot chocolate bar sponsored by Lackawanna Coffee, and other treats, plus Nutcracker-themed games and crafts.

Nimbus Dance is an award-winning contemporary dance company at the forefront of excellence in the arts, civic engagement, and equitable impact, interweaving Company, School, and Presentations. Founded in 2005 by Artistic Director Samuel Pott and based in Jersey City, Nimbus performs on tour nationally and throughout the greater New Jersey/New York region, impacting 16,000 people annually. Community engagement initiatives serve over 7,000 children annually through in-school, movement-based programs. Nimbus presents and produces the annual Acadia Dance Festival at the Criterion Theater in Bar Harbor, Maine. In September 2020, Nimbus opened the Nimbus Arts Center, a 14,900 square foot center with theater, gallery, and studio spaces that is the largest dance-based arts center in the State of New Jersey. Aligning with Nimbus’ mission to wield the arts as a medium for broad impact to our diverse community, the new Center provides a home base for Nimbus Dance as it expands its national profile and impact.

Nimbus’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognized by entities such as the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, DanceNYC/Ford Foundation’s Dance Advancement Fund and Cultural Access Network, is reflected throughout the organization: in educational/outreach programming, artistic content, and the makeup of Nimbus’ staff, company dancers, teachers, and board of directors. Indeed, Nimbus’ staff, dance company and board are comprised of a majority of individuals who self-identify as People of Color. Jersey City has recently been named the most diverse municipality in the United States in terms of language, nationality, and religious, cultural and racial background; Nimbus is both proud of our track record of service to our diverse community, and also deeply humble and cognizant of the need for cultural consciousness and fluency, and inclusivity and equity. For Nimbus, we are our community – both innately connected through our immersive programming, and also embodied through the diversity of the people of our organization which mirrors that of our community.