Dance Troupe, The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, Presents The Children’s Nutcracker & The Polar Express!
Cherished traditions are what make the holidays so special, which is why the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is delighted to bring back two beloved seasonal productions sure to awe audiences of all ages. Once again, the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio’s enchanting The Children’s Nutcracker graces the iconic Lila Cockerell stage on December 12-14 with breathtaking choreography, stunning scenery, and lavish costumes. Discover the extraordinary artistry of San Antonio’s youth as dancers from across Bexar County come together to present a dazzling professional-level production not to be missed. And following a smashing debut last year, The Polar Express: The Musical returns to Downtown’s Empire Theatre on December 6 and 7 to inspire with its mix of live music, catchy choreography, and the best young performers in Bexar County. Each production allows families to check holiday shopping and photos with Santa off their lists by arriving early to enjoy the pre-show holiday market, complete with wintry treats and eats. “Audiences will be captivated as young performers deliver a magical experience that transports everyone into the world of these beloved holiday classics,” says CBSA Founder Vanessa Bessler.
For more than a decade, the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio has been a leader in youth performing arts, uniting professional standards with unparalleled performance opportunities. CBSA artists have studied with acclaimed Artistic Director Vanessa Bessler, Master Ballet Teachers, and the most talented local choreographers, won numerous international awards, and accepted scholarships to prestigious ballet institutions like the John Cranko School, the official school of Stuttgart Ballet in Germany, Royal Ballet School in London, and the School of American Ballet in New York City, to name a few. CBSA Founder and Prima Ballerina Bessler has been named Youth America Grand Prix’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year for nine consecutive years, underscoring her success in cultivating local talent. Her school, The Dance Center of San Antonio, is ranked among the nation’s top 2.5% of ballet institutions based on a recent study from an international team of data scientists who analyzed ballet academies around the US to determine which did best in competition and subsequent professional development, in other words, they ranked the most prestigious dance schools in the United States. Not only did the Dance Center of San Antonio place 23 on the list, it was the only one from San Antonio and the surrounding metro area, and one of only two Texas-based institutions in the top 25. “Our productions offer a unique opportunity for families to witness young artists performing with the grace and skill of seasoned professionals—mesmerizing audiences and proving that talent knows no age,” says Bessler.
Rising Ballet Stars Bring ‘The Children’s Nutcracker’ to Life
With The Children’s Nutcracker, CBSA’s mission to elevate pint-sized prima ballerinas, supremely talented young adult dancers, and inspiring special needs performers is on magnificent display. All the grandeur of Tchaikovsky’s original ballet score and the classic elements of The Nutcracker legacy are retained. At the same time, the 90-minute runtime is designed to enthrall younger audiences from start to finish. This year, CBSA luminaries Daniela Quiroga, Jaida Soleman, William Bessler, Joaquin Marsh, Inez Dunne, Louise Picha, and Gigi Natho will dance the roles of Clara, the Sugarplum Fairy, and the Cavalier. Magical sets, opulent costumes, and exquisite choreography complement the astounding young talent, sure to satisfy audiences familiar with the 19th-century tale of young Clara and her magical Nutcracker Prince, while also dazzling those experiencing the famed ballet for the first time.
Presenting The Children’s Nutcracker at the Lila Cockrell Theater, a 2,300-seat venue nestled in the shadow of Downtown San Antonio’s iconic Tower of the Americas and right alongside the equally alluring River Walk destination, allows visitors to plan a day of winter fun capped off with a performance. The magic begins as soon as guests arrive, with a pre-show holiday market offering gorgeous gifts and collectibles that would even impress Clara on Christmas morning! Families can also treat themselves to sweet and savory snacks, and strike a pose with Santa, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and other cast members as they listen to the joyful ‘noise’ of San Antonio Academy Wildcat’s Chorale and Mariachi Orgullo del Sur.
WHO: The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, the region’s leading independent dance company for children and young adults.
WHAT: The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio presents The Children’s Nutcracker
WHEN: Fri, Dec 12, 7 PM, Sat, Dec 13, 2 PM, Sun Dec 14, 2 PM
Note: Holiday Market and Photos with Santa and cast open one hour prior to showtime.
WHERE: The Lila Cockrell Theatre
200 E. Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Visit Ticketmaster for ticketing information.
‘The Polar Express: The Musical’ Makes a Spectacular Return
The bell still rings in San Antonio! Following a sold-out premiere in 2024, CBSA has expanded The Polar Express: The Musical to run a full 90 minutes of dazzling dance numbers set to the Academy Award-nominated songs of the 2004 film. Based on Chris Van Allsburg’s instant-classic children’s book, families will be transported to the North Pole along with Jo and the other children aboard the Polar Express, to discover the power of friendship, wonder, and, of course, Santa Claus. This spectacular production features a fresh cast of leading roles in each performance. Jo will be played by Julianne Burggeman, Cora Bylicki, and Tristan Lyons, while Billy is played by Tabitha Walker, Jordynn Wright, and Gibbs Miller. Petra Bylicki, Gracie Cox, and Natalia Lopez Rivas will play the role of Becky, and the spirited role of the conductor will be played by Lucas Wise, Zoey McDonald, and Chris Miller.
The unforgettable journey on The Polar Express kicks off in the lobby of Downtown’s famed Empire Theatre. No need to dress up; in fact, audience members can take a page from the book characters’ outfits and come in their comfiest pajamas. A pre-show holiday market features stocking stuffers, such as silver bells, along with holiday finds and show-themed gifts. Festive snacks and cozy hot cocoa will also be available for purchase. Santa Claus and other cast members will be on hand for photo opportunities to create lasting holiday memories. As befitting a show about trains, be sure to arrive at The Polar Express early to enjoy the popular market, which often sells out of its whimsical wares.
WHO: The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, the region’s leading independent dance company for children and young adults.
WHAT: The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio presents The Polar Express: The Musical
WHEN: Sat Dec 6, 2 PM & 7 PM, Su, Dec 7, 2 PM
Note: Holiday Market and Photos with Santa and cast opens one hour prior to showtime.
WHERE: Charline McCombs Empire Theatre
226 N. St. Mary’s Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Visit the Box Office for ticketing information.
About the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio
The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is an authentic, professional-level ballet company that produces professionally staged productions showcasing San Antonio’s most talented children. Dancers are selected by invitation or audition. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is a nonprofit organization 501(c)3. For more information, visit childrensballetofsanantonio.org or call 210-462-7660.
Mission: The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) seeks to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for productive and creative lives through dance by offering extensive training and performance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds.
