Nutcracker Ballet - Wheeling (WV)

Welcome to the home of Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker in Wheeling! In December of 2005, a large consortium of Wheeling non-profits and municipal organizations began meeting to consider undertaking the ownership and operation of the Capitol Theatre that was originally opened in 1929 and had closed its doors 2003. This group recognized that the Capitol Theatre must once again be an important cultural venue and economic engine for the growth of our community. Since that time, the financial and personnel resources of these organizations have been put to use in understanding the architectural and economic feasibility of re-opening the theatre under a local management entity.

On April 3,2009 the Wheeling Convention and Visitors Bureau purchased the theater. Phase I renovations commenced in May 2009 and the theatre re-opened in September of that same year.  Additional phased restorations have continued over the years that have brought new seats, new carpeting, renovated concessions and a renovated ballroom. The revitalization of the Capitol Theatre is a community-wide effort. The Wheeling Convention and Visitors Bureau will own the theatre. The Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation has been a catalyst for the renovations.  The Greater Wheeling Sports & Entertainment, which oversees WesBanco Arena and Heritage Port, operates and programs the revitalized Capitol Theatre, providing high-caliber entertainment for local and regional audiences.

Nutcracker wouldn’t be Nutcracker without the local Children’s cast! Dancing along side the full professional Russian cast are local Wheeling children from Oglebay Institute. Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance provides students of all ages the opportunity to experience the highest quality of education in the tri-state area. Students learn in a non-competitive environment where the focus is on dance as an art form. Their goal is to promote the personal development of each student physically, intellectually and creatively.

The Oglebay School of Dance offers more classes than any other studio in the area, including traditional dance such as ballet, jazz and pointe – as well as a variety of recreational dance and fitness classes. Workshops and intensives with regionally and nationally acclaimed dancers and choreographers are also offered regularly.