Nutcracker Greetings from Columbia Classical Ballet

Dear Families,

I wanted to wait to write until The Nutcracker settled in. The rehearsals, the performances, the nerves, the excitement. All of it.

George Balanchine, whose 1954 production became the model for nearly every Nutcracker in America, called it “a gift to children.” I think about that a lot.

Because when you give something to a child, it doesn’t stay with just the child. It spreads. It reaches the whole family. It becomes part of how you celebrate, how you remember, how you tell stories for years to come.

I know because that’s how it felt for us. Our daughter, Summer, is four months old. This was her first Nutcracker. I’ve already shared that photo of her on stage about a million times. Sent it to people who probably don’t care. But it matters to us. And one day, when she’s old enough to understand what she was part of, I hope it matters to her too.

I imagine every parent reading this feels the same way about their child. As you enter the holiday season, I hope you carry it with you. I hope you’re telling those stories too. From one family to another, thank you for sharing it with us.

This was just the beginning. Come grow with us.

Thank you to the directors, teachers, and choreographers who helped bring this Nutcracker to life. It wouldn’t have been possible without you.

I also want to recognize the people who made the Koger Center possible for us. Lee Lumpkin and the Columbia Classical Ballet Board worked tirelessly to raise the funds for this production. The City of Columbia believed in us and supported us with real generosity. None of this happens without that kind of backing.

And to Richland One and Richland Two. Thank you for bringing your students to experience live ballet. We sold over 4,000 seats to public school children this season. That’s how ballet takes root in a community.

Columbia Classical Ballet is growing. And we want you to grow with us.

Thank you for trusting us with your children. Thank you for being part of something that’s still being built.

This is a revolution disguised as tradition. And you’re part of it now.

With gratitude,

Joseph Phillips

Artistic Director

Columbia Classical Ballet