Have you ever wondered what goes into creating Atlanta Ballet's The Nutcracker? It's not just the glittering costumes and graceful leaps—a huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes! It takes a dedicated team of professionals to bring Marie's journey through the wondrous dream world to life onstage year after year. Here's a peek behind the curtain—a snapshot of what goes into making Atlanta Ballet's The Nutcracker the ultimate holiday tradition.

Get ready to dive deeper into the magical world of The Nutcracker! After our previous post on its history, let's now uncover some fun facts about this beloved ballet. How many of these did you know?

1. The giant chair stands 22 feet, 9 inches tall!

2. The costume shop spends around 2,000 hours preparing more than 250 costumes for The Nutcracker. That’s over 50 weeks at 40 hours per week! That time is focused on repairs, replacements, improvements, fittings, alterations and photoshoots.

3. It takes nine semi trucks to transport more than eight tons of scenery, lighting and props used in each performance of The Nutcracker to the theater.

4. 212 students perform in The Nutcracker, with 43 children per performance. Collectively, they put in 92.5 hours of rehearsal.

5. With over 200 parent volunteers, this year has seen the highest level of family engagement ever! Their support directly benefits our young dancers, creating a rich and nurturing environment for learning and growth.

6. It takes 15 volunteers per show to run the Pop-Up Atlanta Ballet Boutique and provide a premium shopping experience for our patrons.

7. The 3-D ballerina on the award-winning Nutcracker billboard, located on Peachtree Road across from Piedmont Hospital, stands at 10 feet tall!

8. A total of 94 musicians, led by two talented conductors, bring the magic of Tchaikovsky's score to life over 18 performances.

9. The Atlanta Ballet Boutique carries over 30 different types of Nutcrackers! Patrons can also find Atlanta Ballet-branded apparel, ballet-themed gifts, and Nutcracker giftware. Discover the perfect holiday gifts or a treat just for you at the Boutique.

10. It takes the efforts of 702 people, some working year-round, to bring The Nutcracker to the stage every year—and those numbers go up when counting staff and volunteers at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

Come and be dazzled by Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker this holiday season, on stage at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre from December 7-26. Tickets are selling fast!