Nutcracker All Jazzed Up 2026

Tentative Date: December 12, 2026

Time: TBA

Location: TBA

Nutcracker Commitment Form due September 15, 2026

Performance Uniform Rental Fee due October 15, 2026

Participation Fee due November 15, 2026

What is the Nutcracker All Jazzed Up?

Nutcracker All Jazzed Up is Shine Your Light Academy of Dance's annual mid-season performance, offering dancers the opportunity to showcase their progress while celebrating the magic of the holiday season.

Inspired by the beloved story of The Nutcracker, this unique production follows Clara on her enchanting journey through the Land of Sweets—but with a Shine twist! Rather than being a traditional ballet, Nutcracker All Jazzed Up features choreography in a variety of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, creative movement, adaptive dance, and more.

This festive performance gives dancers valuable stage experience, builds confidence, and allows families to celebrate their hard work and growth halfway through the dance season. It has become one of our favorite studio traditions and a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season together.

Why Do We Have a Winter Performance?

Nutcracker All Jazzed Up gives dancers the opportunity to experience the excitement of performing on stage halfway through the dance season. It allows dancers to build confidence, practice teamwork, celebrate their progress, and create lasting holiday memories with their studio family. By performing twice each season, dancers gain valuable performance experience while continuing to grow as artists.

What Makes Our Nutcracker Different? 

Unlike a traditional Nutcracker ballet, Nutcracker: All Jazzed Up features dancers of all ages and abilities performing in a variety of dance styles—including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, creative movement, and adaptive dance. Every dancer plays an important role in bringing this holiday story to life, making it a performance that truly reflects our belief that Anyone Can Dance. 

Who Performs in the Winter Performance?

All enrolled dancers are invited to participate in Nutcracker: All Jazzed Up, with the exception of our Glow 'N Grow classes. Because these classes are designed as caregiver-and-child experiences focused on exploration and early childhood development, they do not participate in the winter performance.

To ensure every dancer has adequate time to learn choreography, receive a performance uniform, and prepare for the production, dancers must be enrolled by the Winter Performance enrollment deadline to participate. Students who enroll after the deadline may not be eligible to perform in Nutcracker: All Jazzed Up, but they will have the opportunity to participate in the Spring Showcase later in the dance season.

The enrollment deadline for the 2026–2027 season will be announced at the beginning of the dance year. Families are encouraged to register early to ensure their dancer can be part of this special holiday tradition.

What Is the Time Commitment for the Winter Performance?

Preparing for Nutcracker All Jazzed Up is a team effort, and regular class attendance is essential. Dancers learn and rehearse their choreography during their weekly classes, so consistent attendance throughout the fall helps ensure they feel confident and prepared for their performance.

If a dancer misses two or more consecutive classes during the choreography and rehearsal period, they may be unable to participate in portions of their dance if there is not enough time to safely and successfully catch up on missed choreography.

In addition to their weekly classes, all participating dancers are required to attend the mandatory Winter Performance Dress Rehearsal, which is typically held on the Friday evening before the performance (date and schedule will be announced during the season). Dress rehearsal may last up to four hours, depending on the performance schedule and venue.

Attendance at dress rehearsal and during the final week of classes before the performance is required. Missing either may result in a dancer being unable to participate in the performance.

On performance day, families should plan for dancers to be committed for up to five hours, depending on the performance schedule, venue, and the number of routines in which the dancer is participating.

Featured Roles

Dancers who are interested in being considered for a featured role—such as Clara, the Nutcracker, Rat Queen, Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen, Dew Drop Fairy, Arabian, Chinese, Russian, or other featured characters—must complete a Featured Role Interest Form during the fall semester.

Unlike many traditional productions, Nutcracker All Jazzed Up does not require auditions for featured roles. At Shine Your Light Academy of Dance, we believe Anyone Can Dance, and every dancer who expresses interest in a featured role will be given a special opportunity to shine in the production.

The Featured Role Interest Form is not an audition. Instead, it allows the Artistic Director to learn which dancers are interested in additional performance opportunities and helps ensure each dancer is thoughtfully placed in a role that best suits their age, experience, abilities, and the overall vision of the production.

Because featured roles often require additional choreography and staging, dancers selected for these roles may be asked to attend rehearsals outside of their regularly scheduled class time. Rehearsal dates and times will be communicated in advance, and every effort will be made to accommodate family schedules whenever possible.

Featured Roles

One of the things that makes Nutcracker All Jazzed Up so special is that every dancer has the opportunity to take on an exciting, featured role in the production!

Dancers who are interested in portraying characters such as Clara, the Nutcracker, Rat Queen, Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen, Dew Drop Fairy, Arabian, Chinese, Russian, or other featured characters are invited to complete a Featured Role Interest Form during the fall semester.

Unlike many traditional Nutcracker productions, there are no auditions for featured roles at Shine Your Light Academy of Dance. We believe Anyone Can Dance, and every dancer who submits a Featured Role Interest Form will be given a special featured opportunity within the performance.

The Featured Role Interest Form is not an audition. Instead, it allows the Artistic Director to learn which dancers are interested in taking on additional responsibilities and helps thoughtfully place dancers in roles that best fit their age, experience, abilities, personality, and the overall vision of the production.

Because featured roles often include additional choreography, staging, and character development, dancers who accept a featured role may be asked to attend rehearsals outside of their regularly scheduled class time. Rehearsal dates and times will be communicated well in advance, and every effort will be made to accommodate family schedules whenever possible.

Please note that accepting a featured role is a commitment. Dancers selected for featured roles are expected to attend all required rehearsals so they can confidently fulfill their responsibilities in the production.

What Is the Financial Commitment for the Winter Performance?

The financial commitment for Nutcracker All Jazzed Up depends on the payment option your family selects during registration.

Standard Tuition

Families enrolled under the Standard Tuition plan are responsible for the following:

• Performance Uniform Rental Fee – A rental fee is assessed for each performance uniform used in the Winter Performance. Performance uniforms remain the property of Shine Your Light Academy of Dance and must be returned immediately following the performance in good condition.

• Participation Fee – Each participating dancer is assessed a Winter Performance Participation Fee. This fee helps cover production expenses, venue rental, staffing, insurance, music licensing, and other costs associated with presenting the performance.

Performance Uniform Rental Fees and Participation Fees are mandatory for all dancers participating in the Winter Performance and are non-refundable.

Specific fee amounts and payment deadlines are announced at the beginning of each dance season.

Shine Membership

Families enrolled in the Shine Membership enjoy simplified, all-inclusive pricing.

Your monthly membership already includes:

• Winter Performance Uniform Rental Fee

• Winter Performance Participation Fee

• Annual registration fee

• Monthly tuition

• Spring Showcase performance uniform fees

• Spring Showcase participation fee

No additional Winter Performance fees are required beyond your monthly membership, provided your account remains in good standing.

Admission

One of our favorite traditions at Shine Your Light Academy of Dance is that Nutcracker All Jazzed Up is free for everyone to attend!

We believe performances are meant to be shared with family and friends, so there is no admission charge for this special holiday event. Invite grandparents, siblings, neighbors, and friends to join us as we celebrate our dancers and kick off the holiday season together.

In addition to the performance, guests can enjoy a festive holiday experience featuring local vendors, food trucks, and other family-friendly activities before and during the event. We love creating a community celebration that extends beyond the stage!

Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited by the capacity of the performance venue. We encourage guests to arrive early to explore the event, support our local vendors, and secure their seats before the performance begins.

Additional venue information, including arrival times, parking, accessibility, vendor information, and any venue-specific policies, will be shared with participating families prior to the performance.

What Do Dancers Wear?

To create a polished and professional appearance on stage, all dancers are expected to follow the studio's performance attire guidelines.

Hair

Girls: Hair should be styled in a low bun. If a dancer's hair is too short to be secured in a bun, it should be neatly pulled back away from the face using clips, barrettes, or other approved hair accessories.

Boys: Hair should be clean, neatly styled, and secured away from the face.

Makeup

Stage lighting can wash out facial features, so makeup is recommended to help dancers' expressions be visible from the audience.

Girls:

• Foundation (recommended)

• Blush (recommended)

• Neutral eye shadow

• Black or brown eyeliner

• Black or brown mascara

• Neutral-colored lipstick, unless otherwise instructed for a specific role

Boys (Optional):

• Neutral foundation

• Blush

Preschool and Level I dancers: Makeup is completely optional. Families may choose whether or not their dancer wears makeup.

Performance Uniforms

Each participating dancer will be provided with a Performance Uniform for the Winter Performance. Dancers will be measured during the fall semester, and performance uniforms will be ordered once all required fees have been paid and the family's account is in good standing.

Performance uniforms are studio property and are provided as a rental for the performance. They must be returned in good condition immediately following the Winter Performance unless otherwise instructed.

Tights

Dancers should wear the tights specified for their assigned performance uniform. Tights may vary depending on the class, dance style, or featured role. Detailed information will be provided before Picture Day and the performance.

Dance Shoes

Dancers should wear the shoes required for their enrolled class(es) as outlined in the Studio Dress Code unless otherwise instructed for a specific performance role.

Additional Performance Items

Families may also be asked to provide certain items, such as undergarments, hair accessories, or other small performance necessities. Any additional requirements will be communicated well in advance of Picture Day and the Winter Performance.

Other Important Information

Additional details regarding Nutcracker All Jazzed Up will be shared with participating families throughout the fall. This includes information about:

• Photography information (if applicable) 

• Dress rehearsal schedules

• Performance lineup and performance order

• Digital program proof

• Arrival and dismissal procedures

• Hair, makeup, and performance uniform requirements

• Featured role rehearsals (if applicable)

Families can expect to receive the dress rehearsal schedule, performance lineup, and draft digital program no later than November 1 each season.

All important Winter Performance communications will be sent via email and through the Parent Portal. Families are encouraged to read all studio communications carefully and ensure their contact information remains up to date so they don't miss important deadlines or announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is participation in Nutcracker: All Jazzed Up required?

While participation is not required, we highly encourage every eligible dancer to take part in this special holiday tradition. Performing on stage helps dancers build confidence, gain valuable performance experience, and celebrate their progress with family and friends. If your dancer will not be participating, please notify the studio as early as possible.

Does every class perform?

Most recreational classes perform one routine in Nutcracker All Jazzed Up. The Glow 'N Grow program does not participate in the Winter Performance. Some performance groups or specialty classes may perform additional routines.

What if my dancer misses class?

Regular attendance is important, especially during the choreography and rehearsal period. Dancers who miss multiple consecutive classes may be unable to participate in portions of their routine if there is not enough time to safely learn the missed choreography.

Can my dancer participate if they enroll mid-season?

Students who enroll after the Winter Performance enrollment deadline may not be eligible to participate in Nutcracker All Jazzed Up. This allows adequate time to learn choreography, receive a performance uniform, and prepare for the production. Eligible dancers will still have the opportunity to participate in the Spring Showcase later in the dance season.

Do dancers have to audition for featured roles?

No. Shine Your Light Academy of Dance does not hold auditions for featured roles in Nutcracker All Jazzed Up. Dancers who are interested simply complete a Featured Role Interest Form, and every dancer who expresses interest will receive a special featured opportunity within the production.

Can I take photos or videos during the performance?

To provide an enjoyable experience for all guests and to respect the policies of our performance venue, photography and videography during the performance may be limited or prohibited. Any venue-specific policies will be shared with families before the performance.

How early should my dancer arrive?

Families will receive a detailed performance schedule prior to the Winter Performance. Dancers should arrive at their designated check-in time dressed in their performance uniform and ready to perform unless otherwise instructed.

Will my dancer stay backstage?

Yes. Once checked in, dancers will remain under the supervision of studio staff and approved volunteers until they are dismissed to a parent or authorized adult. To ensure the performance runs smoothly, parents and family members are not permitted backstage unless serving in an approved volunteer role.

What happens if my dancer becomes sick?

If your dancer is ill, please notify the studio as soon as possible. While we understand illnesses happen, there may not be an opportunity to re-stage choreography and performances cannot be rescheduled.

Is there an admission fee?

No! Nutcracker All Jazzed Up is free to attend. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited by the capacity of the performance venue.

How can I become a vendor at Nutcracker: All Jazzed Up?

We love partnering with local businesses, artisans, and community organizations to help make Nutcracker All Jazzed Up a festive community event. If you are interested in becoming a vendor or food truck participant, please contact the studio for vendor information, pricing, and availability. Vendor spaces are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Will there be a rain date?

Because our Winter Performance is carefully coordinated with our performance venue, staff, volunteers, and participating families, Nutcracker All Jazzed Up cannot be rescheduled. In the event of severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the studio will communicate any changes or cancellations as quickly as possible.

Will classes continue after the Winter Performance?

Yes! Nutcracker All Jazzed Up is a mid-season performance and does not mark the end of our dance year. Following the Winter Performance, dancers will continue attending their regularly scheduled classes as they begin preparing for our annual Spring Showcase. Tuition, enrollment, and all studio policies remain in effect throughout our 10-month dance season.

The studio observes a Winter Break each year from December 13 through January 3. During this time, no classes will be held, allowing our dancers, families, and staff to enjoy the holiday season. Classes will resume according to the studio calendar following Winter Break.

Who should I contact if I have questions?

We're happy to help! If you have any questions about Nutcracker All Jazzed Up, please contact the studio. We are committed to making the performance experience enjoyable, organized, and memorable for every dancer and family.

Questions, Comments, or Concerns?

Please do not hesitate to reach out to the staff of Shine Your Light Academy of Dance, Inc. by phone at (407) 498 - 5592 or email at info@shineyourlightad.com!