The Nutcracker Ballet
Continental Ballet Company Announces 2026 Nutcracker Season
Bloomington, MN — The Continental Ballet Company is pleased to announce its 2026 Nutcracker Season, a beloved holiday classic that follows Clara on a magical voyage to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. With choreography by Riet Velthuisen and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, the Nutcracker has delighted audiences across Minnesota for decades.
Under the direction of Riet Velthuisen, the production remains a traditional staging that is accessible to families and theatre-goers of all ages. The narrative stays faithful to the cherished tale, with a mindful adaptation: there is no battle scene. In Velthuisen’s words, “There is enough violence in the world today. I don’t want it to be part of the ballet.” The production features a playful, friendly encounter with rats instead of a fight, preserving the wonder of the story while keeping it gentle. Velthuisen’s choreography reflects her European training and heritage, delivering precise, inspiring movement on stage.
Audience responses have been glowing: “We just loved the performance— what a perfect first ballet experience!” “Brought me to tears!” “Feel privileged to be able to see such a beautiful performance—and it’s right here in our hometown!”
Touring plans: After a run at the Bloomington Center for the Arts, Continental Ballet Company will bring this production on tour to additional venues across Minnesota.
About Continental Ballet Company
Founded in 1988 by Riet Velthuisen, a native of Holland who danced with European companies including the Dutch National Ballet, the Continental Ballet Company maintains a studio offering dance lessons for students of all ages and abilities. The company is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation and a member of the Bloomington Fine Arts Council, based at the Bloomington Center for the Arts. The performing company typically features up to twenty-eight professional dancers. For more information, please call 952-563-5362 or visit continentalballet.com.
**General Admission Seating: Seating is first come, first served.
The building doors will open one hour prior to the event. Auditorium doors will open approximately 20 minutes before the scheduled showtime.