Nimbus Dance’s
“Jersey Nutcracker”
Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Choreography & Direction: Samuel Pott
Libretto: Alysia Souder & Samuel Pott
Visuals and Projection Design: Laia Cabrera & Isabelle Duverger
“…The best Christmas shows in NYC in 2024”
- TimeOut New York
Nimbus’ Jersey Nutcracker delights audiences, young and old, with a quirky and lovable story of two Jersey kids and their city adventure, filled with magic, battles with bullies and rats, stories of friendship, and exquisite dancing. Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, Nimbus’ adaptation of The Nutcracker offers a thrilling, jazzy interpretation with a New Jersey twist.
Nimbus Dance performs Artistic Director Samuel Pott’s choreography against a dazzling backdrop of full-scale sets and animated projections of illustrated scenes, designed by Jersey City artists Laia Carbrera and Isabelle Duverger. With a delightful libretto co-written by Alysia Souder (The Institute for Music for Children) and Samuel Pott (Nimbus Artistic Director), Jersey Nutcracker transports audiences through classic New Jersey landscapes - parks, bustling streets, back alleys, sewers, and back to City Hall, with surprises, cheer, and a message of hope and resilience along the way.
2025 Performance Schedule
Kean University, Wilkins Theatre: December 6 @ 1pm & 6pm
New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Victoria Theatre: December 12 & 13
Nimbus Arts Center: December 19 - 23
Jersey Nutcracker Youth Cast Opportunities
Each winter, Nimbus’ beloved Jersey Nutcracker returns to the stage, featuring professional dancers alongside talented youth from the School of Nimbus Dance. The production is a bold reimagining of the holiday classic, featuring high-energy choreography, local references, and set to Tchaikovsky’s original score.
Participation in Jersey Nutcracker is a highlight of the year for many Nimbus students. It offers young performers the chance to train and perform in a professional environment while developing confidence and stage presence.
Students of the School of Nimbus Level IA - III can sign up to be in Jersey Nutcracker. All Ensemble & Pre-Professional Students perform in Jersey Nutcracker. Rehearsals begin the First week of Fall Semester and continue until the beginning of Winter Break. Students will be called to several weekend full cast rehearsals in November, as well as Dress rehearsals in December, leading up to their scheduled performances. Each role will have multiple student casts; students will not perform in every show of Jersey Nutcracker. Final casting will be shared in October.
Role Descriptions
Youth Leads: Maria & Christina/Christopher (Ages 12-16, by Audition)
Audition for the role of Maria or Christina/Christopher on Saturday, August 23rd at 5 pm. Auditions will take place at the Nimbus Arts Center (329 Warren St., Jersey City, NJ)
Jersey Nutcracker follows 2 “kids” from a New Jersey City: Maria and Christina/Christopher on a magical journey through rough and dirty city streets in Act I, to a magical vision of their city in Act II.
The roles of Maria & Christina/Christopher require a dancer with strong technical skills, expressive movement, and the ability to convey a range of emotions. Maria and Christina, as well as Christopher, work closely with the professional dancers of Nimbus Dance. Youth cast in the roles of Maria or Christina/Christopher must attend weekly rehearsals on Wednesdays from 7 - 8:30 pm at the Nimbus Arts Center in Jersey City, as well as a week-long “intensive” September 8 - 12, 2025, in the evenings.
Cookies (Age 5-6, Level IA)
Perhaps the cutest part of Jersey Nutcracker, Cookies are the children of Mama Cannoli and come out from underneath her enormous skirt to perform a high-spirited and energetic dance. Dancers cast as Cookies also join the entire cast as city people during the TreeLighting Scene and as Cookies during the finale.
Liberty Angels (Age 7-8, Level II & IIA)
Liberty Angels dance with the Statue of Liberty to usher our story’s protagonists into a “vision of what our city might one day become” at the beginning of Act II. Dancers cast as Liberty Angels also join the entire cast during the finale and as city people during the TreeLighting Scene.
B-Boys & B-Girls (Ages 9-13, Level III & IIIA)
The B-Boys & B-Girls are a high-energy crew called in by Christina/Christopher to provide backup in the epic battle against the fearsome Rat King. Their choreography features precise and physical movements, some floorwork, freezes, and dynamic partnering that electrify the stage.
Rats & Bullies (Ensembles, as cast)
The Rats/Bullies are the mischievous troublemakers who torment Maria and Christina/Christopher, and serve as the Rat King's loyal cronies in the epic battle scene. Their choreography blends grounded contemporary movements with theatrical character work, showcasing floorwork, group formations, and moments of chaotic comedy.
Gente de la Fiesta - Party People (Ensembles, as cast)
Gente de la Fiesta appears in Act II. Dancing alongside members of Nimbus Dance, their choreography incorporates Latin-inspired movement, lively footwork, and vibrant ensemble patterns that bring the party to life.
Ribbons of Paint (Ensembles, as cast)
The Ribbons of Paint appear in Act II, bringing a vibrant explosion of color and imagination. Their choreography combines sweeping, joyful and balletic movements and patterns that evoke a living, dancing mural.
Waltz of the Hipsters (Ensembles, as cast)
Waltz of the Hipsters takes the stage in Act II, blending irony and elegance as they perform alongside members of Nimbus Dance in a stylized, tongue-in-cheek homage to downtown cool and New Jersey’s own “The Boss”. Their choreography features contemporary ballet fused with pedestrian gestures, intricate partnering, and layered group dynamics, remixing the traditional Waltz of the Flowers.