How to make the Most of Your Spokane Nutcracker Experience, whichever performance you choose to attend!

Costumes shown above wore by INB dancers performing in Company Ballet's production of the Nutcracker.

The Nutcracker is more than just a ballet—it's a magical tradition that brings Spokane families together in a swirl of music, movement, and holiday wonder. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned balletomane, here’s how to turn your visit into a cherished memory.

Arrive Early for the Magic

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before curtain time. This allows you:

• Time to find parking (always a challenge downtown!) and settle in without stress

• A chance to look around and say hi to fellow dancers, perhaps even INB classmates or INB instructors.

• A chance to admire the festive lobby decorations

• Time to have a photo taken of you and your child, which can become a tradition! We love to see your family Nutcracker photos on social media!

• An opportunity to read the program and point out dancers or characters that your child might recognize.

Late arrivals disrupt the performance and miss the enchanting opening scene, and you don’t want to do that!

Dress for the Occasion

The Nutcracker is a celebration, and dressing up adds to the excitement. Think:

• Holiday dresses, sparkly shoes, and cozy cardigans for kids

• Festive attire for adults—anything from cocktail dresses to smart blazers

Not only does dressing up honor the performers, but it also makes the evening feel extra special for your child.

Read the Story Before You Go

The Nutcracker’s plot can be whimsical and mysterious, especially for young viewers. Reading the story ahead of time helps children:

• Follow the characters (Clara/Marie, the Nutcracker Prince, the Mouse King/Queen)

• Understand the magical journey from the Christmas party to the Land of Sweets

• Anticipate favorite scenes like the battle of the mice and soldiers, the angels, or the Sugar Plum Fairy’s variation

Try reading a picture book version or watching a short animated summary together the night before. Hough every Nutcracker is different, having a visual will allow your child to better understand the story.

Listen with Wonder

We play the music during class, in the weeks leading up to performance, so your children can become familiar with the melodies, and we encourage your child to notice the changes in the music—it’s the heartbeat of the ballet. Tchaikovsky’s score is full of emotion and storytelling:

• The twinkling celesta in “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”, a favorite for many of our INB dancers!

• The dramatic crescendos during the battle scene

• The joyful rhythms of the Russian and Spanish dances

Let the Experience Spark Imagination

After the show, ask your child:

1. What was their favorite dance, and why?

2. Which costume did they love most?

3. Did they see any of their friends onstage?

4. Would they like to be in the Nutcracker someday? What role would they like to portray?

These conversations deepen the experience for both you and your aspiring dancer...Enjoy!