Behind the Curtain: A Nutcracker Adventure

Join us for a captivating performance led by Triangle Youth Ballet’s Artistic Director, Lauren Lorentz De Haas, featuring talented students from the Triangle Youth Ballet (TYB). 

This special program offers audiences a rare, behind-the-scenes look at producing a show, providing fun and humorous insight into the ups and downs of putting on a full-scale dance performance.  

Using “The Nutcracker” as a centerpiece, the presentation weaves together elements of dance history, music appreciation, and the artistry behind staging a full theatrical production. The experience includes a beautifully costumed live performance of iconic excerpts from “The Nutcracker” as well as other styles of dance and music, accompanied by live music from TYB’s very own Tchaikovsky Virtuosi Orchestra, under the direction of Andrew McAffee – this will be a festive treat for all ages. 

STUDY GUIDE

NC Standard Course of Study Connections: 

Arts Education Standards — Dance K–6 

• PR.1 — Demonstrate dance technique and performance quality (observe classical ballet technique and storytelling through movement)
• RE.1 — Interpret and respond to dance performances (analyze how dance communicates narrative)
• CN.1 — Understand dance in various cultural and historical contexts (explore ballet as a classical art form and seasonal tradition)
• CN.2 — Explore careers in dance (backstage elements, production process, professional dancers) 

Arts Education Standards — Music K–6 

• RE.1 — Listen and respond to music (Tchaikovsky’s score and how music supports storytelling)
• CN.1 — Understand music in historical context (classical music of the Romantic period) 

Arts Education Standards — Theatre Arts K–6 

• PR.2 — Understand technical elements of production (costumes, sets, lighting that create the magical world of Nutcracker)
• CN.2 — Explore behind-the-scenes theatrical careers and production processes

All Durham Public Schools reservations will be made by the school-designated Arts Liaison. The Arts Liaison was appointed by each school principal to coordinate this effort. Please contact your principal for further action.

Online reservations end five days prior to a performance date. Tickets will still be sold at the box office on the date of the event, dependent upon availability. Please email us for availability at efan@carolinatheatre.org.