A Magical Holiday Tradition, Elevated with a Festive Partnership
Celebrate the most enchanting time of year as The Georgia Ballet presents its beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker, running December 18–23, 2025, at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, located just minutes from historic Marietta Square. This timeless ballet invites audiences of all ages to step into a world of wonder – made even more memorable this season through an exciting collaboration with local favorite Hamp & Harry’s. Tickets for Dec.
19-23 start at $36. Tickets for Dec. 18 Sensory Friendly Show are a flat $23. Secure your seats today at www.georgiaballet.org/season!
This year, The Georgia Ballet is thrilled to enhance the audience experience through a full marketing and hospitality partnership with Hamp & Harry’s, whose Nutcracker-inspired cocktail menu has become a beloved seasonal tradition in Marietta Square. Audiences 21+ can savor Hamp & Harry’s signature Nutcracker Cocktail as well as wine and beer in the lobby before each performance and during intermission, allowing patrons to enjoy the magic of the production while indulging in the flavors of the season. The synergy between this Holiday ballet and Hamp & Harry’s imaginative craftsmanship creates a picture-perfect pairing for festive outings, date nights, and unforgettable family traditions.
Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, The Nutcracker follows young Clara as she receives a mysterious nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. When the clock strikes midnight, Clara is swept into an extraordinary adventure—dancing snowflakes, a daring battle, a journey through the Land of Snow, and a jubilant celebration in the Kingdom of Sweets. With enchanting choreography by Artistic Director Daet Rodriguez, festive staging, live music by The Georgia Ballet Orchestra (excluding the Sensory-Friendly performance) conducted by Robert Trocina, and unforgettable storytelling, this cherished production remains a cornerstone of the holiday season. Audiences will be delighted by the classic moments they know and love—from the dazzling Waltz of the Snowflakes to the vibrant divertissements in the Kingdom of Sweets, including Spanish, Arabian, Chinese, Russian, Mirlitons, and the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy.
As part of the organization’s commitment to accessibility, the Company hosts a special Sensory-Friendly Performance on Thursday, December 18, at 7 PM for those with sensory sensitivities and young children who may benefit from a more relaxed environment. The performance features seating at 50% capacity, house lights dimmed to half, softened sound levels with recorded music, and stage lighting free of sudden or strobe effects. Tickets for this special performance are available at a discounted rate of $23 each.
Highlights of the production include:
● Festive Lobby Experience:
Adults 21+ can enjoy wine, beer, and the exclusive Nutcracker Cocktail crafted by Hamp & Harry’s—poured at every performance in the lobby.
● Holiday Photo Station:
Guests are invited to capture the magic with a themed photo-op station available before each show.
● Community Engagement:
Special group discounts are available for schools, community organizations, and groups of 10+, supporting accessibility and shared holiday traditions.
Performance Dates and Times:
- December 18 – 7 PM (Sensory-Friendly Performance)
● December 19 – 8 PM
- December 20 – 2 PM & 8 PM -Limited Seats Available
- December 21 – 3 PM -Almost Sold Out!
● December 22- 2 PM
- December 23- 2 PM
Tickets:
Tickets are available now at https://www.georgiaballet.org/season or by calling our box office at (770)-528-0881. Secure your seats early for this unforgettable journey into the Land of Sweets!
For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact:
The Georgia Ballet Marketing Department (770)-528-0881
Email: marketing@georgiaballet.org https://www.georgiaballet.org
About The Georgia Ballet:
Founded in 1960 by Marietta native Iris Hensley, The Georgia Ballet is a non-profit organization committed to inspiring the public through professional ballet performance, unparalleled dance training, and meaningful community outreach. With a focus on creativity, inclusion, and excellence, The Georgia Ballet continues to bring the joy and artistry of dance to audiences throughout the region.
Daet Rodriguez, Artistic Director’s Bio:
Daet was born and raised in Cuba and graduated from the National School of Ballet in Habana in 1990. His training consisted of his parents, Jorge Rodriguez Vede and Clara Diaz, along with Fernando Alonso, Alberto Alonso, Laura Alonso, Pablo More, and Lazaro Carreno. Daet’s professional career began with Ballet de Camguey, where he performed many classical and contemporary principal roles. In 1995, Mr. Rodriguez joined Teatro Centro de Arte-Leon Febres Cordero in Ecuador, where his Balanchine performance experience added to his professional repertoire.
His career extended to many other countries, including Cuba, Jamaica, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Canada, Martinique, Guadalupe, and the United States. In 2001, Daet and his wife, Margit, opened their own ballet school, Cuballet-Ecuador, where they served over 200 students in a classical and contemporary training program.
Daet and Margit have trained numerous students for competitions such as Youth America Grand Prix, CIAD in Ecuador, Latin-American Danza in Chile, Danzamerica in Argentina, All Dance International in Ecuador, and the American Ballet Competition in the US. In February of 2015, Daet, Margit, and their two children moved to the United States and set ballets and choreography in schools around the region before joining us here at The Georgia Ballet.
