THE NUTCRACKER
Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts
THE NUTCRACKER
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025 at 7:30 pm
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2025 at 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Artistic Directors Max Ratevosian & Melania Pawliw
Music by Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky
Choreography based on Vasily Vainonen’s version, additional choreography by Max Ratevosian & Melania Pawliw
Featuring guest artists & young dancers from across Hamilton and surrounding area.
McIntyre Performing Arts Centre – Mohawk College, Hamilton
Evening performances with the Hamilton City Ballet Orchestra, conducted by Mate Szigeti
Tickets on sale now at www.onstagedirect.com
NUTCRACKER ART WORKSHOP
The Nutcracker Art Workshop is a creative, family-friendly community event blending visual arts, dance, and storytelling inspired by the beloved holiday ballet The Nutcracker. Hosted by Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts, the event aims to foster artistic expression in children through hands-on activities guided by local artist Rae Bates and dancers. Ages 6 – 13+
- Nutcracker Storytelling
- Live Dance Performance
- Opportunity to watch Nutcracker rehearsals with Artistic Director, Max Ratevosian
- Age-appropriate art activities
- Dance/Movement breaks
- Dancers modeling for sketching sessions
- Festive refreshments for all participants
- 11:00 – 11:30 AM: Welcome and Nutcracker Storytelling
- 11:30 – 12:00 PM: Live Dance Performance + Nutcracker Rehearsals
- 12:00 – 1:30 PM: Art Stations Open
- 1:00 – 1:15 PM: Dance Movement Break (led by HAPA Ballet Staff)
- 1:30 – 2:00 PM: Cookies, Juice & Social Time
Ages 6 – 9
Sketching Nutcracker characters and dancers / oil pastels / Paper Doll dress-up
Ages 10 – 13+
Guided figure sketching, painting, oil pastels with dancer models
All Ages
Additional craft – create your own holiday cards
Admission: $10 per person
Space is limited — reserve early!
Send e-transfer to info.hapa@gmail.com to secure your spot.
Please include names of participants with payment.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
NUTCRACKER TEA PARTY
This enchanting experience will bring the timeless tale of The Nutcracker to life as your children immerse themselves in a storybook journey full of dancing, sweets, and surprises! 🍬🍪
Our talented team will treat everyone to an array of delicious treats, and as you sip tea and nibble on goodies, prepare for thrilling performances straight from the beloved ballet. Your children will be dazzled as they meet the Sugar Plum Fairy, the mischievous Mouse King, and the brave Young Clara – and they’ll have the chance to join in the magic by learning fun dances with these and other iconic characters! 🩰✨
This complimentary event is the perfect way to introduce your children to the holiday classic, and we are sure that they’ll leave with big smiles and hearts full of joy. Don’t miss out on this festive gathering! 🌟👑
SATURDAY, OCT. 25, 2025
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts
108 Park St. W Dundas, ON
289-238-9855
Send e-transfer to info.hapa@gmail.com to secure your spot.
Registration opens Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 6:00pm
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
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AUDITIONS ~ NUTCRACKER 2025
The Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts in partnership with Hamilton City Ballet will be holding auditions for dancers from age 8 to advanced levels for all roles including:
Clara, Princess Clara, the Nutcracker, Harlequin Doll, Ballerina Doll, Moor Doll, Party Children, Fritz, Parents, King of Mice, Mice, Angels, Bakers, Spanish, Arabian Dance, Chinese, Russian, Pas-de-trois, Mother Ginger, Clown Children, Snowflakes, and Waltz of the Flowers.
Ballet experience is required.
Upon successfully auditioning, dancers must fill out an agreement form and pay a the participation fee.
Dancers are required to attend all rehearsals, held on each Sunday from September to the performance dates.
The Nutcracker performances will be on December 5 & 6, 2025 at McIntyre Performing Arts Centre, Hamilton, Ontario.
The general rehearsal at the theatre takes place on December 4, 2025.
AUDITION DATES:
Sunday, June 8, 2025 (doors open at 11:00am)
11:00am to 12:30pm ~ Registration and audition for dancers age 8-12
12:00pm to 2:00pm ~ Registration and audition for dancers age 13 and up (please bring pointe shoes)
Registration will take place within the first 30 minute of each time slot.
or
Sunday, July 13, 2025 (doors open at 1:00pm)
1:00pm to 2:30pm ~ Registration and audition for dancers age 8-12
2:00pm to 4:00pm ~ Registration and audition for dancers age 13 and up (please bring pointe shoes)
Registration will take place within the first 30 minute of each time slot.
or
FINAL AUDITION: Thursday, September 4, 2025 (doors open at 5:30pm)
5:30pm to 7:00pm ~ Registration and audition for dancers age 8-12
6:30pm to 8:30pm ~ Registration and audition for dancers age 13 and up (please bring pointe shoes)
Registration will take place within the first 30 minutes of each time slot.
The audition fee is $30.
Payment can be made in cash, cheque (payable to Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts), or e-Transfer.
Auditions are held at: 108 Park Street West, Dundas, ON L9H 1X4 289-238-9855
