2021 / 2022 Season > The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker

December 18-19

Moss Arts Center, Virginia Tech 330 Turner St. N.W., Blacksburg, 24060

Little Leapers and the LEAP Performing Arts Academy is proud to announce their 10th Annual Nutcracker production on December 18-19, 2021 at the Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech.

The Nutcracker ballet is one of the most beloved and timeless Christmas traditions about a young girl, Clara, whose favorite toy, the Nutcracker, comes alive and takes her to the Land of Sweets magical kingdom. Little Leaper's productions takes a unique and heartwarming spin on this treasured classic through the lens of kindness.

Enjoy this spectacular production of The Nutcracker with special guest artists from the Cirqulation Aerial Arts & Acrobatics, City Modern, Mental Health in Motion, New River Irish, Ole at Virginia Tech, Skipper Cannon (Corp of Cadets, Skipper Crew), Turkish Student Association, in addition to over 450 dancing roles!

Little Leapers's Nutcracker was the first Nutcracker to perform at the Moss Arts Center, the only Nutcracker in the New River Valley to include a live orchestra, flying mouse Queen, short film, pyrotechnics, and even surprise guest performances by Reid Ewing from Modern Family (Dylan).

Little Leaper’s Nutcracker production has undergone its own magical journey similar to Clara’s. In 2012, Little Leapers put on their first Nutcracker at the Lyric Theatre in Blacksburg despite doubts that a local performing arts company could handle such ambitious production demands. The first cast of 40 dancers wore costumes handmade or donated from thrift stores.

Each year, their Nutcracker has grown resulting in moving production to Virginia Tech's Moss Arts Center in 2015 during which the show was heralded as the “most successful community production” at the prestigious Moss Arts Center.

Enjoy this spectacular production of The Nutcracker with special guest artists from the Cirqulation Aerial Arts & Acrobatics, City Modern, Mental Health in Motion, New River Irish, Ole at Virginia Tech, Skipper Cannon (Corp of Cadets, Skipper Crew), and Turkish Student Association.

There is no need travel to experience the production value seen in large cities because Little Leaper’s Nutcracker exceeds a typical community production with over 450 roles, 1,000 professional costumes, animated sets that bring the story to life, accompaniment by a live orchestra (currently no orchestra due to COVID-19).

Directed by Heather Leeper

Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky