Nutcracker Ballet - Marion (IL)

The beloved family tradition is back: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet! Gather your loved ones for the warm-glow-nostalgia of America’s favorite Christmas celebration. Experience the extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists performing at the peak of classical European Ballet. Be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger than life puppets and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes. Don’t miss this chance to experience the wonder of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet. Get tickets now!

Welcome to the home of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet in Marion: Marion Cultural and Civic Center. Marion Cultural and Civic Center (MCCC) serves Southern Illinois as an outlet for cultural and artistic opportunities of all types. MCCC is a 1094 seat performing arts center located in the historic town square of Marion, IL. In addition to providing a state of the art theatrical facility, MCCC also provides a portion of the lobby to display paintings and artwork from Southern Illinois artists.

The Marion Cultural & Civic Center’s Patron Series provides Southern Illinois with an opportunity to see a number of national touring productions; while the Young Peoples Arts Series offers presentations and performances for children through Marion schools. MCCC also plays host to multiple promoters that bring in the highest quality in national touring productions. The Marion Cultural & Civic Center is also home to Miss Illinois and the Southern Illinois Music Festival each year, as well as host to Paradise Alley Players, Artstarts, Skyline Creek Productions and the Marion Unit #2 school productions. With these and other local shows and recitals, the MCCC hosts over 300 programs, rehearsals, meetings and other events every year.

Nutcracker wouldn’t be Nutcracker without the local Children’s cast! Dancing along side the full professional Russian cast are local Marion children from Arabesque Dance Studio. Arabesque Dance Studio opened its Carterville, IL location in 2003. Owner Kimberly Coffey and her staff offer over 134 years of experience. The diverse faculty provide instruction in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Acro, Competitive Dance, and Tap. Students range in age from 3 years to adulthood. Arabesque’s motto is "Why walk, when you can learn to fly." The goal of Arabesque Dance Studio is to offer a quality education in an atmosphere that is positive, supportive, and promotes a genuine sense of self-esteem. Arabesque Dance Studio encourages dancers to take the disciplines of dance into their everyday lives, helping to build self-confidence, good self-esteem and a passion for living. Each staff person involved in the educational programs is experienced and dedicated in their determination to help every child achieve all the success possible.