Dances Patrelle Announces The 30th Anniversary Season of Francis Patrelle’s The Yorkville Nutcracker
Company:
Dances Patrelle
Dances Patrelle announces the 30th Anniversary Season of Francis Patrelle’s The Yorkville Nutcracker from December 10-13, 2026 at The Kaye Playhouse, 695 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065. Performances: Thu & Fri at 7pm, Sat at 2pm & 7pm, Sun at 12noon and 5pm. Tickets are $80 and can be purchased at https://kayeplayhouse.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=181.
For 30 years, Francis Patrelle’s The Yorkville Nutcracker has delighted New York City audiences with its uniquely local retelling of the beloved holiday classic. In celebration of the Pearl Anniversary and the production’s first iteration under Christopher Charles McDaniel, Dances Patrelle invites audiences to wear their pearls to the theater, joining in a festive tribute to 30 years of holiday magic and the enduring legacy of Francis Patrelle.
Created by Dances Patrelle founder Francis Patrelle, this cherished family tradition reimagines The Nutcrackerthrough the lens of New York City. Set on Manhattan's Upper East Side in 1895, the story follows young Mary as she embarks on a magical holiday adventure through some of the city's most iconic landmarks and beloved traditions. From a festive holiday celebration at Gracie Mansion to a dazzling journey through the city, The Yorkville Nutcracker captures the wonder, history, and spirit of New York in a way unlike any other production. Featuring professional dancers performing alongside talented young artists, the ballet has become a treasured holiday experience for generations of families. More than a performance, The Yorkville Nutcracker is a celebration of community, imagination, and the enduring magic of the holiday season.
“The Yorkville Nutcracker has brought generations of dancers and audiences together for 30 years, and it’s an incredible honor to lead this anniversary season,” said Artistic Director Christopher Charles McDaniel. “Francis created something truly special—a production where young dancers share the stage with professionals, families create lasting memories, and New York City becomes part of the magic. As we honor his legacy, I’m excited to celebrate the artists and community who have made this tradition possible while looking ahead to its next chapter.”
New York City Ballet's Miriam Miller and Tyler Angle return to lead the Dances Patrelle cast as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier in the 30th anniversary production of Francis Patrelle's The Yorkville Nutcracker.
This milestone season celebrates the generations of dancers whose lives have been shaped by the beloved New York City holiday tradition. Tara Clarke, who grew up performing in the production in roles ranging from Angels to Dewdrop, returns as the Snow Queen alongside Ethan Arrington, who captivated audiences as the Snow Prince in last year's production. In a particularly meaningful full-circle moment, Deborah Wingert, celebrated teacher, renowned stager for the George Balanchine Trust, and the production's original Snow Queen in 1996, has returned to the rehearsal studio to coach Clarke, passing along the artistry and traditions of the role to a new generation.
The anniversary cast brings together a diverse community of professional artists, freelance dancers, and students from across New York City's vibrant dance landscape, including the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program, Ballet Academy East, Ballet Hispánico New York, Chrystie Street Ballet Academy, JKO at ABT, Joffrey Ballet School, Manhattan Youth Ballet, Rye Ballet Conservatory, School of American Ballet, Success Academy Charter Schools, and Uptown Ballet Academy.
As part of the anniversary celebration, Dances Patrelle will premiere a special documentary short featuring interviews with members of the original 1996 cast and generations of artists whose experiences reflect the enduring impact of Francis Patrelle's vision. For more information, visit dancespatrelle.org.
Dances Patrelle (dP) is a dynamic professional ballet company celebrating its 39th year! dP presents two annual seasons in New York – the timeless holiday tradition, The Yorkville Nutcracker, and a spring repertory season featuring world premieres and classic Patrelle favorites. Mr. Patrelle’s body of work includes over 50 original ballets choreographed for Dances Patrelle, and spans an incredibly wide range of styles, from his beloved American Songbook collection to such contemporary classics as Madame X, Macbeth and Rhapsody in Blue. Heralded by Lynn Garafola in Dance Magazine as a choreographer with “a personal vision…classical because it is rooted in metaphor and symbolic language [and] populist because of its legibility and broad cultural resonance.” Patrelle has also cultivated a long-time collaboration with composer Patrick Soluri, commissioning four original scores including 2009's Murder at the Masque for dP's 20th Anniversary. Known for attracting the great talent of each generation, Dances Patrelle is pleased to count ballet stars such as Marcelo Gomes, Jenifer Ringer, Donald Williams, Lourdes Lopez, and Cynthia Gregory among its dancers. For 39 seasons, Dances Patrelle has tapped into the human experience, connecting intimately with the audience and continuously reinventing dramatic dance.
