Nevada Ballet Theatre

I attended the December 21, 2024, 7:30 pm performance of the Nutcracker. Unfortunately, the production was tepid at best, especially without the magic of a live orchestra. Given the price for seats, what was delivered from set, to choreography, to dancing, was not to the standards of a state ballet.The first issue is that it is NOT clear when you purchase tickets that the music is canned. When I read news articles stating the orchestra was not part of the production, I called and requested my money back and was refused. I was told "all sales are final". This was prior to the Thursday 3 pm deadline to request money back.The choreography was very watered down, and felt almost basic. The dancer playing Clara had solid technique, but constantly looked surprised the entire role. It took away from her performance. Poor Sugar Plum had a bad night - and I know this happens to performers - but - for the price of the tickets - you should be able to land a triple pirouette and do Italian fouettés in attitude instead of coupé. Bless her heart - she did a triple pirouette, fell out. Did another triple, fell out. Doubled the next pirouette in hopes of salvaging it, but wobbled out of the double. Girl... I felt bad for her. It looked like she was nervous or having a bad night. The divertissements were good - but the choreography let these dancers down, especially Arabian. Russian was the most spectacular.From the production perspective, it was "odd". Firstly, the extremely loud cannon was unnecessary. I think it scared a lot of people in the audience. Not appropriate for a city coming off two major mass shootings (Oct 1 and UNLV). Then, NBT doubled down and did a streamer cannon at the end of the ballet. Are we at the ballet or a show on the strip??? On the other side of things, the Snow scene was lovely.Much of the dance time was occupied by a Star-Wars style opening crawl telling the story of the Nutcracker. This took away from the production. If you need to tell the story because people don't know it (for some reason) put it in the program.Balanchine said the most important part of Nutcracker was the tree. In the NBT production, it does not grow - its a set change to a larger tree in the background. Given the technology of Las Vegas productions, this could have been spectacular. It feels like budget was an issue. The sets were basic and disappointing, especially given how spoiled we are here in Vegas with shows and effects.I really wanted to experience the Nutcracker magic with this production and it didn't deliver. However, the lady and her daughter beside me were absolutely delighted. So maybe if you're not a performer, or haven't seen many shows, you have a more open perspective.For me, this was a test run to see if I wanted to invest in season tickets. I'd spend $60/ticket, but not the $150 I did for Nutcracker. I'm willing to try out another performance in the Spring, but for now, I me and my disappointment need a break.

Shame on you for going with canned music rather than a live orchestra! The orchestra is HALF of the overall performance, and reason people come to see the Nutcracker. I thought Theater companies were supposed to be supporters of the arts. Removing a live orchestra does nothing but hurt the performance and overall affect of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece. Heaven forbid someone needs a longer vamp to complete a costume change, or missing a prop, or any that could be covered with a LIVE Orchestra. The beauty and magnificence of the Ballet is just that of the gracefulness of the dancers, but it is the Pa de Deux between the performers on stage and the emotion coming from the pit that moves audiences immeasurably more than a recording. Heaven forbid someone needs a longer vamp to complete a costume change, or missing a prop, or any that could be covered with a LIVE Orchestra. Shameful!

I am surprised by how good the local ballet is! I didn't expect it to compare favorably to ballets from bigger cities, but it is actually quite good!To whoever may run the ballet's account, I have a strong recommendation for you: Please provide a warning for those with auditory sensitivity. The loud cannon booms were unexpected and made my daughter, who has Sensory Processing Disorder, very scared and upset. She was crying for a while at the end, and it overshadowed her enjoyment of the ballet.Just like you would have a warning for if there were flashing lights, I suggest a warning for kids and people with auditory sensitivity. If we had known ahead of time, we could have brought my daughter's headphones. But it didn't occur to me that this would be an issue at a ballet performance!The ballet itself is otherwise fantastic. Congratulations to all the dancers and musicians!

Always have loved the ballet here but Wizard of Oz was beyond incredible. Dancing, costumes, sets indescribable. I was memorized. Went with a group of 11 of us and we all were truly moved.

The Nevada Ballet Theatre continues to do fantastic performances of The Nutcracker. The continue to find, train and retain great dancers. If you've never seen a performance, I'd highly recommend you do! It's a great group to support.

I have been taking (adult) ballet with Marcus from 10:30am-12pm five days a week for almost a year now. Marcus takes incredible care to make sure he greets each and every student every day with a hug. He emits such joy, it is obvious he genuinely loves teaching and takes great care of his students, wether they are brand new or repeat! My first class I was so nervous I took a place at the barre in the very back of the class. I had just moved from Orlando and was surrounded by NBT Company members, but Marcus still welcomed me in, asked my name, complimented me after class and encouraged me to come back. When I returned the following week, he greeted me BY NAME and I knew right then I'd found the right learning environment. Also, Marcus' class playlists are awesome! Some days are traditionally classical, but most are classically adapted Pop songs or (my personal favorite,) Broadway! Marcus' daughter usually also takes class and is an excellent resource for questions! She's always willing to do the floor combos again if someone is struggling and is quick to praise improved skillsets and technique - everyone just exudes such positive energy! When I first moved to Vegas in July ('16) I was initially taking ballet at a rival studio, but as an adult who still seeks correction and makes mistakes in class, I felt incredibly judged both the instructors and the students when I turned the wrong direction or asked a question. I am so glad to have found Marcus' class - I could never leave!During the summer, NBT's Company members are often present to stay sharp in their off-season. While intimidating, they are quite friendly and it is a luxury to watch true professionals and simultaneously try to mimic their technique. Conversely, older members of the community are also in regular attendance, taking class to stay in shape. It is considered an Int/beg Adv class, but pointe shoes and leotards are not mandatory and anyone with determination should not be deterred!

extremely frustrating The process of trying to purchase tickets for a group over eight. you can't purchase online and there is only one person in the office seems to be part time who is unable to get back to you to process your payment. seems absolutely ridiculous to me and bad customer service that other people are not able to take payment. Poor customer service and bad management. I love the ballet and it's wonderful to be able to go once or twice a year but this process is extremely frustrating when you have a group of 12 to 15 people you're trying to get tickets for you should be able to call and buy them I understand they're trying to cut down on scamming however only having one person to take payment it's just silly.

I have seen the Nutcracker in various cities and was very disappointed with the Las Vegas production. When I bought the tickets, I expected there to be a live orchestra. I am surprised that I was not offered a refund when the orchestra decided to go on strike. The Nutcracker is about the story -- but the music is a HUGE part of the production. I was not impressed with the scenery, nor the choreography. The pas de deux was very repetitive and the dancers didn't WOW me with any great moves. We actually left at intermission -- I was bored - without the live orchestra --- it just doesn't make the cut. I would NOT recommend going. Too bad.....

The talent is impeccable. We've seen the Nutcracker a few times and the performers are amazing. However, whomever is in charge of decor for their "festive" time of year performances has missed the mark two years in a row. We will never pay to go to the Nutcracker again because the attention to detail with regards to the Christmas season is gone. The decor consisted of green garland with faded gold balls here and there. No carolers, no Christmas ornament vendors and no hot chocolate. I give them credit for having an amazing Santa Claus for people to take their kids to but for Everything else, this was an event that clearly directed towards stuffy adults and not kids, families or people wanting to soak up the holiday season. For this reason, we will never go to the Nutcracker again. :(

Dracula at The Smith Center by NBTOMG!  Whether you are a ballet fan or a fan of Dracula, or a fan of Broadway or dance, don't miss this amazing performance. It will run daily at The Smith Center Las Vegas October 6 to 8 inclusive.This exhilarating performance has something for everyone.There are three scenes and two intermissions. All scenes are very different from each other, yet entwined in telling the story.My impression is that it feels like a perfect fusion between ballet, Broadway, mime and story telling, with thrills, horror, love, anticipation and a felling that the audience is part of the performance.Dracula is amazing and suits the part down to a tee. With his sinister looks, hypnotizing dance moves, amazing costumes and more. I have included the link below with all the performer's details, photos and some videos.Dracula's brides, are mesmerizing with their dance moves, costumes and beauty. They would surely lure any man to his death. During the performance, I couldn't take my eyes off the stage for a second, as there was so much going on.Scene two is set in old Transylvania, with beautiful mountains and a quaint, old time village. The folk dancing scenes and the courtship scenes, gave me goosebumps until Dracula and one of his brides, appeared to spoil the celebrations. The period costumes and the stage settings are spot on.Scene three is set in Dracula's Lair. The age old fight of good verses evil. The beautiful bride to be, gets kidnapped by Dracula and the fight to make her one of his zombie style brides begins. She resist as best she can as she is in love with her fiance.I really enjoyed this performance and the timing is apropos with Halloween just around the corner. The story, of good verses evil and love conquers all, is as old as time and is told beautifully, without a single word being spoken, so it transcends all language barriers. I would highly recommend it to all ages.You have only a few days of performances left, so don't let this one get away or you will be sorry you did.Congratulations to all concerned both front and back house and back the house. Bravo!https://nevadaballet.org/performances/dracula/