The Nutcracker with LIVE Music!

 

The Nutcracker brings enchanting holiday magic to life Join us for an unforgettable holiday tradition as Texture brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved classic to the stage, perfect for the whole family - close up views and tickets starting at only $27! Dancers: Isabel Pascarella & Alan Obuzor -  Photographer: Rachel Harman Texture Contemporary Ballet and Texture Ballet School present The Nutcracker, set to the beautiful and iconic music of Tchaikovsky.  Performances will take place over two weekends, December 6th in downtown Pittsburgh at August Wilson African American Cultural Center. and December 12th-13th in downtown Greensburg at The Palace Theatre . The performances in Greensburg at The Palace Theatre will include music played live by the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra. “The Nutcracker is often the first ballet performance that many people attend, also it is frequently the first performing opportunity for young ballet students. I love that we are able to continue to share this tradition with future generations, says Alan Obuzor, Texture Contemporary Ballet’s Artistic Director. It is wonderful every year to see the breathtaking music, the engaging story, and the beautiful choreography, standing the test of time and bringing audiences and artists back every year wanting more.” Dancers of Texture Contemporary Ballet & Texture Ballet School  Photographer: Rachel Harman Experience the magic of the holidays as it comes to life on stage in The Nutcracker! This timeless classic follows the young Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they are swept away on an enchanting adventure, led by the mysterious Drosselmeyer and Lady Silberhaus. During this epic journey, they join forces with soldiers to battle the evil Rat Queen and her entourage of mice and travel to a breathtaking winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes. When they finally enter the magical Land of the Sweets, Clara is introduced to the Land’s many vibrant characters, dazzled by waltzing flowers, and captivated by the beauty of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Featuring spectacular choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s stunning and delightful score, The Nutcracker will warm your soul and transport you to a spectacular world of dance and holiday magic! The December 6th performances are at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center in downtown Pittsburgh. This state of the art venue provides a great view from every seat, allowing children and adults of all ages to be able to experience the story and characters up close. The December 12-13 performances at The Palace Theatre in Greensburg are presented by the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra.  This year’s performances mark the fifth year of the partnership between the WSO and Texture, presenting the region’s only live orchestra performances of The Nutcracker. The Nutcracker will feature Texture Ballet School students dancing the roles of the stunning Sugar Plum Fairy down to the tiniest of Bon Bons; the twinkle in their eyes and the flutter in the feet will light up the stage! Special guest performers will include Alan Obuzor and other Texture Contemporary Ballet company dancers! Patrons can purchase tickets for The Nutcracker online in advance or at the door. Nutcracker Highlights Our production of The Nutcracker will feature: Live music for our performances in Greensburg at the Palace Theatre Over 165 dazzling costumes in addition to beautiful sets and backdrops Over 100 performers Professional and youth performers from 3 different counties - Allegheny County, Washington County, and Westmorland County Professional company dancers - Christopher Bandy, Madison Jayne Cole, Kinsey Love, Alan Obuzor, Sophie Stewart, Elaina Sutula, and Katrina May Thomas Box Office August Wilson African American Cultural Center 980 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Performances Saturday, December 6, 2025 • 2:00 pm Saturday, December 6, 2025 • 7:00 pm The Palace Theatre 21 W Otterman St, Greensburg, PA 15601 Performances presented by Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra  Friday, December 12, 2025  • 7:30 pm Saturday, December 13, 2025  • 11:00 am Saturday, December 13, 2025  • 3:00 pm Tickets Tickets range from $27–$79 and can be purchased online. Run Time Two Hours - Includes 2 acts and 1 intermission Accessibility The August Wilson African American Cultural Center and The Palace Theatre are fully wheelchair accessible.  Artistic Director/Resident Choreographer Alan Obuzor (He/Him) Alan Obuzor was honored in 2013 by Dance Magazine by being named one of the "Top 25 to Watch". In 2023-2024 he was selected as a School of American Ballet (SAB) National Visiting Fellow. Originally from Pittsburgh, Alan began dancing at the age of nine. Two years later he attended Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School(PBTS), where in 1998 he was a recipient of the prestigious Princess Grace Foundation Dance Honorarium.  Alan received a contract to join Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's(PBT's)professional company at the age of 17.  During his seven years in PBT's Company, he danced a wide array of ballets ranging from classical to neoclassical to contemporary, which included principal and soloist roles in ballets such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Symphony in C, Carmina Burana and Divertimento 15.  In that time he also worked with many world renowned figures in dance, and was selected to originate soloist roles in new works by choreographers Dwight Rhoden, Derek Dean, Matjash Mrozewski and Jiabin Pan.  Alan began teaching in 2002; from 2007-2012 Alan was on the faculty of PBTS as one of the primary Pre-Professional Division teachers and choreographers.  In the fall of 2012, Alan joined the teaching faculty of Pittsburgh Youth Ballet.  Alan choreographed his first work in 2002 on himself and a fellow dancer.  Since that time he has choreographed over 120 new works for Texture Contemporary Ballet, Texture Ballet School, PBT, PBTS, Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company, New Ballet Ensemble, Harvard Ballet Company, Point Park University, Dancers' Trust, Canton Ballet, Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts and various independent projects.  In 2011, Alan won first place in the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Society of Arts and Letters Dance/Choreography competition. During 2014 Alan was awarded a BRAZZY Award – “Outstanding Male Dancer in Pittsburgh 2014”. In 2017 Mr. Obuzor received an “Outstanding Teacher Award” by Youth America Grand Prix. He is the founder and Artistic Director of Texture Contemporary Ballet 2011, and Texture Ballet School 2019. Nutcracker Guest Company Dancers Christopher Bandy Madison Jayne Cole Kinsey Love Sophie Stewart Katrina May Thomas Elaina Sutula Sponsors Texture’s 2025-2026 Season is made possible in part with generous support from: Arts, Equity, & Education Fund The Heinz Endowments Grant from PACE through the Capacity Building 1 Program, a program of the Pittsburgh Cultural Treasures Initiative (PCTI) New Hazlett Theater Opportunity Fund​ Individual Donors Corporate Donors Herr Drosselmeyer at the Stahlbaum’s holiday party gifting Clara with the nutcracker Dancers of Texture Contemporary Ballet & Texture Ballet School  Photographer: Gary Stone Clara and Prince sitting on the throne in the Land of the Sweets watching the Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier Dancers of Texture Contemporary Ballet & Texture Ballet School  Photographer: Rachel Harman At the Stahlbaum’s holiday party Herr Drosselmeyer and Lady Silberhaus reveal a life sized doll who dances to entertain all of the party guests Dancers of Texture Contemporary Ballet & Texture Ballet School  Photographer: Rachel Harman The Waltz of the Flowers dance in the enchanted Land of the Sweets   Dancers of Texture Contemporary Ballet & Texture Ballet School  Photographer: Rachel Harman Dancers of Texture Contemporary Ballet & Texture Ballet School  Photographer: Rachel Harman About Texture Contemporary Ballet Texture Contemporary Ballet is a Pittsburgh-based dance company that fuses the power and precision of classical ballet with the freedom and creativity of contemporary dance to surprise and delight audiences and empower the next generation of dancers and choreographers.    Texture was founded in 2011 by Alan Obuzor, and since then they have been creating and presenting predominantly new and original dance works for people who love to be inspired through dance. In their work, they enable our artists to take creative risks, and they help audiences to experience their thoughts and emotions by forming connections through live movement and dance. Learn more about Texture Contemporary Ballet About Texture Ballet School Texture Ballet School is a ballet school located in the South Hills of Pittsburgh and is for all students who have a passion for dance and movement. Texture provides enriching experiences via phenomenal dance training and performance opportunities. Through creativity and discipline they teach students how to progress their artistry, technique, and expression. They specialize in giving each of our students individualized feedback and attention in a ballet environment which is welcoming and inclusive of all bodies. Learn more about Texture Ballet School