Photo by Megan Maloy
(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- This December, Nimbus Dance's Jersey Nutcracker embarks on its first-ever New Jersey tour, bringing its beloved, distinctly local twist on Tchaikovsky's classic ballet to audiences in Jersey City, Newark, and Elizabeth. With dazzling new sets and costumes, an expanded youth cast from across the state, and performances at the Nimbus Arts Center, Kean University, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), this year marks a bold new chapter for Nimbus' signature holiday production.
Now in its 15th year, Jersey Nutcracker delights audiences young and old with a quirky and lovable story of two Jersey kids and their city adventure—filled with magic, battles with bullies and rats, stories of friendship, and exceptional dancing. Audiences meet traditional characters like an exquisite Sugar Plum Fairy and her dashing Cavalier, along with locals like a corrupt mayor (modeled on NJ's infamous political bosses like Jersey City's Mayor Frank Hague); traditional toy soldiers become hip hop dancers, and the showstopping Waltz of the Hipsters is led by a Bruce Springsteen-like principal dancer! Set to Tchaikovsky's timeless score with jazzy twists, Artistic Director Samuel Pott's choreography is performed by Nimbus' celebrated dancers alongside more than 100 of the state's most talented youth performers from throughout the state.
With a libretto co-written by Alysia Souder and Pott, and animated projections by Jersey City artists Laia Cabrera and Isabelle Duverger, Jersey Nutcracker transforms the stage into an imaginative New Jersey landscape—parks, bustling streets, back alleys, sewers, and City Hall—infused with humor, heart, and holiday cheer. The 2025 production includes new costumes by LA Clevenson.
"When young people see stories where they can recognize themselves and where they come from, a special connection happens that makes theater and dance come alive," says Pott. "A family trip to the theater becomes an enduring experience that will stay with families for years to come."
Praised by TimeOut New York as one of the "Best Christmas Shows in NYC," Nimbus Dance's Jersey Nutcracker has performed to sold out audiences in Jersey City for 3 years in a row. Among the state's leading theater producers the enthusiasm is palpable:
"Nimbus Dance's Jersey Nutcracker is unlike any Nutcracker production we've seen before — perfectly blending outstanding dancing, hilarious comedy, and a meaningful story set right here in the Garden State," says David Rodriguez, Executive Producer at NJPAC, "Nimbus has made a name for itself as one of the country's most exciting new dance companies, and NJPAC couldn't be more thrilled to showcase some of New Jersey's top talent on our stages!"
Steve Cochran, Manager of Kean Stage at Kean University, says: "We are ecstatic to welcome Nimbus Dance's Jersey Nutcracker to Kean Stage this season. This production brings a fresh, local spirit to a beloved holiday tradition, and we're proud to share its magic, artistry, and joy with our community. It's a celebration of dance, storytelling, and togetherness—perfect for audiences of all ages."
Performance & Ticket Information:
Saturday, December 6 at 1:00pm & 6:00pm | Kean Stage: Wilkins Theatre (100 Morris Avenue) in Union, NJ. Tickets: $32 - $52 (group rates available) Ticket Link: HERE
Friday, December 12 at 7:00pm; Saturday, December 13 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm | New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ. Tickets: $69 - $82 (group rates available) Ticket Link: HERE
Friday, December 19 at 7:00pm; Saturday, December 20 at 3:00pm & 7:00pm; Sunday, December 21 at 3:00pm & 7:00pm; Tuesday, December 23 at 3:00pm & 7:00pm | Nimbus Arts Center (329 Warren Street) in Jersey City, NJ. Tickets: $30- $70 (group rates available) Ticket Link: HERE
Special weekday matinees for schools, seniors, and community groups are available at select locations. For details, email [email protected].
Photo by Megan Maloy
Nimbus Dance bridges the gap between world-class performance and community engagement by presenting work that challenges, speaks to, and elevates diverse audiences across the nation. Founded in 2005 by visionary Artistic Director Samuel Pott (former soloist with Martha Graham Dance Company), Nimbus stands at the forefront of excellence in the arts, civic engagement, and equitable impact. With a highly physical and visually engaging aesthetic, Nimbus' international company of dancers "split the difference between traditionalism and modernism... A Nimbus Dance piece can pivot from ballet to Broadway to Beyoncé in a few beats." (Tris McCall, Jersey City Times).
The company tours nationally impacting over 16,000 people annually; and collaborates regularly with some of the nation's most storied arts organizations including the New Jersey Symphony, Boston Symphony, Gordon Parks Foundation, NJPAC, and heralded artists like Jason Samuels Smith, Qasim Naqvi, Pedro Giraudo, Nicola López. Nimbus maintains its home base in Jersey City, NJ, at the Nimbus Arts Center, a 14,500 sq ft venue which supports interdisciplinary arts, incubates diverse arts entities, and houses Nimbus' educational programs including the School of Nimbus. Nimbus recently opened a new 8,800 sq ft location in Summit, NJ, offering classes and performances, and fostering creative work. Nimbus produces the annual Acadia Dance Festival in Bar Harbor, Maine.
