Dorrance Dance: The Nutcracker Suite
Dorrance Dance brings its rhythm-driven take on a holiday classic to Kay Theatre at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. This production reimagines Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite through the swinging jazz arrangements of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, transforming the familiar ballet into a high-energy tap dance celebration. The Washington Post has described the show as a “bouncing, swinging Christmas party,” and the performance is built around explosive toe-tapping choreography, playful dance battles, and a full stage of dynamic dancers.
The piece was created by acclaimed tap artists Michelle Dorrance and Josette Wiggan, working with collaborator Hannah Heller. Together they craft a jazzy, tap-driven version of the holiday classic that blends a dash of tradition with contemporary rhythm and theatrical flair. The performance takes place in the intimate yet grand setting of Kay Theatre, with reserved seating available across multiple price levels.
When: Friday, December 11, 2026, at 8:00 pm, and Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 3:00 pm.
Venue: Kay Theatre, The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland.
Tickets: Reserved seating with multiple price levels. Tier 1 is $65 plus a $5 booking fee; Tier 2 is $50 plus a $5 booking fee; Tier 3 is $35 plus a $5 booking fee. Student and youth tickets are available for $20 in Tiers 2 and 3.
Lineup: Dorrance Dance, featuring creator and performer Michelle Dorrance and Josette Wiggan, with collaborator Hannah Heller, alongside a full company of high-energy tap dancers.
Background: This production is set to Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s jazz interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s original Nutcracker Suite score, giving the classic story a swinging, syncopated makeover full of rhythm and playfulness.
Accessibility: The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center offers wheelchair accessible seating, size-inclusive seating, large print programs, assisted listening devices, adult and child-friendly sensory packs, and quiet spaces. ASL interpretation, audio description, and captioning are available for select events or by patron request made at least six weeks in advance.
Note: No run time or age restriction information is provided on the event page.