Metropolitan School of the Arts Welcomes Joffrey Ballet Guest Stars for Annual Production of The Nutcracker
Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center 4915 E. Campus Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22311
Courtesy of Metropolitan School of the Arts
Courtesy of Metropolitan School of the Arts
The Metropolitan School of the Arts (MSA) is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated holiday production of The Nutcracker, featuring special guest artists from one of the nation's leading companies, The Joffrey Ballet from Chicago. This beloved tradition returns to Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center in Alexandria, Va. on Sat, Dec. 13 and Sun., Dec 14, 2025, for four enchanting performances at 12 pm and 5 pm each day. Tickets are $35 to $37 at www.metropolitanarts.org.
Joffrey Ballet's Yumi Kanazawa and Blake Kessler will grace the stage as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier, a highlight set to elevate the production for audiences. Their participation marks a significant collaboration, offering MSA students an inspiring opportunity to share the stage with world-class professionals. The cast also features dancers from the Manassas Ballet Theatre, including: Shaw Wu as the Nutcracker Prince, Masaya Kankeo dancing the Arabian Pas De Deux, and Kuan-Lun Li dancing the Mirliton Pas de Deux.
“This year’s Nutcracker feels like a celebration of everything we value—artistry, discipline, and connection,” says Metropolitan School of the Arts Artistic Director Jackie Doherty. “Having guest artists from Joffrey Ballet Chicago alongside our own students is a rare and inspiring experience. It’s a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when young dancers share the stage with professionals at the highest level,” said Doherty.
Set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, this family-friendly production features vibrant costumes, captivating storytelling, and breathtaking dance from MSA's talented ballet students.
The pivotal role of Clara will be shared by exceptional MSA dancers, Brinley Baum (a YAGP-Youth America Grand Prix finalist) and Rebecca Sanborn. Both students recently achieved High Distinctions on their most recent RAD examinations, bringing exceptional artistry, focus, and storytelling to the classic role.
The performance is especially poignant this year, as the MSA’s Metropolitan Youth Ballet (MYB) community celebrates 10 graduating seniors.
