At Atlanta Ballet, the holiday magic begins in September, when students from the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education audition for roles in The Nutcracker. Each year, over 150 students are selected to perform as Chicks, Young Mice, Toy Soldiers, Party Children, and Stars, contributing to what has become a cherished holiday tradition in Atlanta. These young dancers begin rehearsals in October, when the familiar refrains of the beloved Tchaikovsky score fill the halls of the Atlanta Ballet Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre, accompanied by the sounds of the students’ joy and laughter.

Sharing the Cobb Energy Centre stage with dancers from Atlanta Ballet and Atlanta Ballet 2, working with repetiteurs, and dancing to the iconic Tchaikovsky score performed live by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra offers students incredible opportunities to experience the art of performance at a professional level. They also share the wonder of the holidays and the beauty of excellence in ballet with our audiences.

“My favorite part of being in The Nutcracker is the experience of performing alongside Company dancers in rehearsals and on stage. I felt incredibly honored to portray the role of Young Marie and was excited to bring my personality to her playful character.” — Kahlen Wright, Atlanta Ballet 2 dancer.

Pictured above: Kahlen Wright has been promoted to Atlanta Ballet 2 this season. Her first role in The Nutcracker was as a Party Child when she was a student in Academy 1. She performed the role of Young Marie in both 2023 and 2024.

For some of the students you see on stage, this magical moment may be the first of many as they choose to pursue professional dance careers, delighting audiences for years to come. For others, it may serve as a platform for their various hopes and aspirations, reminding us that every journey begins with a single step.

A student’s pathway to the stage begins with enrollment at the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education, the official school of Atlanta Ballet. For 30 years, the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education has been dedicated to inspiring dancers to reach their fullest potential, fostering a highly nurturing environment where everyone is respected, dreams are encouraged, and achievements at all levels are celebrated. Enrollment for the spring term at the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education is now open, with classes in the Creative Movement and Student Division starting on January 5, 2026. We invite your child to experience the joy of dance through our carefully designed classes suitable for all ages, interests, and skill levels.

Don’t miss the chance for your child to shine on stage in next year’s Nutcracker!

“Performing in The Nutcracker at a young age shaped me not only as a dancer but as a person. Surrounded by incredible talent and guidance, I discovered the joy of storytelling through movement, and playing Fritz sparked my love for performing.” — Daniel Gray, Atlanta Ballet 2 dancer.

Pictured above, far right: Daniel Gray’s first role in The Nutcracker was Fritz in 2018, when he was a student in Academy 2. He has also played a Party Child, Skier, and Adult Mouse. Daniel was promoted to Atlanta Ballet 2 in 2024.

"Merde" to our Chicks, Young Mice, Toy Soldiers, Party Children, Stars, and Star Acrobats! Everyone at Atlanta Ballet is incredibly proud of your achievements and we can't wait to see you on stage.

Atlanta Ballet dancer Denys Nedak with Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education students in The Nutcracker. Photo by Shoccara Marcus.