MSB presents The Nutcracker: A Holiday Classic
Local dancers bring the spirit of giving to the stage as the Mia Saunders School of Ballet (MSB) presents the 31st annual production of The Nutcracker. This beloved holiday tradition will take place at the Centreville High School Auditorium on Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14, at 3:00 p.m. Located at 6001 Union Mill Road in Clifton, the CVHS stage will once again come alive with Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, festive costumes, and magical storytelling. This year’s production continues MSB’s long-standing tradition of giving back to the community. Proceeds from ticket sales, program boosters, and advertisements will benefit the Centreville High School Drama Boosters and the PCD Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving diagnosis, care, and research for primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD).
MSB Artistic Director and alumna Hannah Gestwick shared that this year’s charitable focus holds special meaning for the studio family: “This year’s charity was selected in honor of an MSB alum’s child who was diagnosed with PCD shortly after birth. That alum has stood by me since I began directing at MSB—teaching, assisting, and supporting on and offstage for both The Nutcracker and our spring performances. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to support their family, medical research, and the healthcare workers and caregivers striving to improve the quality of life for those affected by PCD.”
Gestwick explained that The Nutcracker reflects the school’s mission to nurture not only strong dancers but also compassionate community members: “Performing at MSB has always been about giving—the gift of dance, the gift of time, and the gift of love. Our annual Nutcracker is a chance for our dancers to extend that spirit beyond the studio, supporting not only each other but also those we may never meet who share a path of perseverance and hope.” Through their artistry, MSB dancers embody the values of generosity and connection that define the Centreville–Clifton community by transforming the stage into a celebration of resilience, kindness, and shared joy.
This year’s Nutcracker will also mark a meaningful milestone for senior dancer Parker Ellison, who will perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy on Saturday and will graduate from Paul VI High School this spring. “I cannot express my gratitude enough for the opportunities I’ve been given at MSB,” Parker shared. “Through my nine years here, I have grown not only as a dancer, but as a person and a friend. I’ve experienced so many amazing roles, and finishing my last Nutcracker as Sugar Plum is truly a dream come true. It’s bittersweet to close this chapter, but I’ll always cherish the incredible teachers and friendships I’ve found at MSB.” Her reflections echo the sentiment shared by many MSB dancers and families: that The Nutcracker is not just a performance, but a legacy of artistry, community, and giving that continues to inspire year after year.
Performances will be held Saturday, December 13, and Sunday, December 14, at 3:00 p.m. in the Centreville High School Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for children ages 5 and under and $12 for ages 6 and up. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. For more information, please visit www.miasaundersballet.com
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3358604-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3358604-2
