News & Insights

Philadelphia Ballet and Independence Blue Cross kick off the holiday season with special event celebrating the 56th year of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®

Beloved holiday tradition returns to the Philadelphia Ballet December 6-29 with presenting sponsor, Independence Blue Cross

Philadelphia Ballet, in partnership with Independence Blue Cross (IBX), ushered in the holiday season with a festive celebration to mark the 56th annual production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®. Held on Tuesday, November 19, the event featured remarks from Philadelphia Ballet and IBX representatives as well as special appearances by characters from The Nutcracker. The event set the stage for a season filled with joy, tradition and the magic of dance.

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® will run December 6–29 at the Academy of Music, offering 31 performances, including a special sensory-friendly performance on December 26. Tickets start at $25, ensuring accessibility for audiences across the region and are available for purchase at philadelphiaballet.org.

“George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a treasured tradition for families throughout Philadelphia and beyond,” said Shelly Power, The Dr. Carolyn Newsom Executive Director of Philadelphia Ballet. “This year marks our 56th year of bringing this iconic story to life on stage and we are thrilled to partner with Independence Blue Cross to continue sharing the magic with our community.”

As the presenting sponsor, IBX has long championed the arts in Philadelphia. “The Nutcracker is more than a performance; it’s a cherished tradition that holds a special place in the hearts of Philadelphians. At Independence Blue Cross, we are proud to support Philadelphia Ballet in making the arts accessible, fostering creativity and connection in our community,” said Susan Larkin, Independence Blue Cross executive vice president and president of Core Commercial Markets.

Philadelphia Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® features more than 170 dancers and students, brought together by the extraordinary talent of the Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, The Nutcracker captures the wonder and enchantment of the season with its exquisite choreography, lavish costumes and enchanting stage designs that transport audiences into a winter wonderland.

Performance Details:

  • Dates: December 6 – December 29, 2024
  • Location: The Academy of Music, Philadelphia, PA
  • Tickets: Opening Night tickets are $10, with regular season tickets starting at $25. Discount codes and special offers available for select performances. Purchase tickets at philadelphiaballet.org.

 

Media contact:
Kathleen Conlon
267-918-8057
Kathleen.Conlon@ibx.com