Rio Grande Valley Ballet
2024 Season
The Nutcracker
Deborah Case, Artistic Director
Public Performances
Saturday, Dec. 14, at 3:00 pm
Sunday, Dec. 15, at 3:00 pm
Public Performance Tickets Available Soon
About Rio Grande Valley Ballet
Every year, since 1972, Rio Grande Valley Ballet offers students matinee performances of The Nutcracker to all students in the Rio Grande Valley.
Each year we see 7,500 school children come to our shows at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. This 50th Anniversary season, we will have entertained over 337,500 students! The Nutcracker meets all theatre requirements with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for the valley's students.
Hello!
I wanted to write you a little note to express my gratitude for today’s performance. First, as a principal of an elementary, I am so grateful. Thank you for the opportunity. I was astounded to find out that so many of my students had never been to the performing arts center and even fewer had seen the nutcracker. It’s a show they will remember the rest of their lives. I appreciate that you extend this opportunity to schools and we plan to continue to attend the show. My teachers and students loved it. Secondly as a Mom, thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing Meredith to be a part of this. I’m seeing her grow as a dancer and am watching her mature as she takes on the responsibilities that the show requires. She loved every second of the show and is already excited about next year.
Thank you for all you do. I know it’s a tremendous amount of work, but it is such a blessing for so many.
Lela Culberson
A message from one of the many principals who brought students to our show over the past 50 years
THE STORY OF THE NUTCRACKER
It's Christmas Eve and Mayor Stahlbaum and his wife prepare for their annual Christmas party. Excited guests make their way to the mayor's house as the children enjoy the snow and chill outside the city. Inside the Stahlbaum's house, Clara and Fritz are impatiently waiting to be allowed into the parlor where their parents entertain guests-and where presents are waiting. Their godfather, Uncle Drosselmeyer, attends the party each year, and always brings surprises!
51st YEAR
The Rio Grande Valley’s Longest Running Show consecutively for 51 years
Deborah Case. Artistic Director
MEET DEBORAH CASE
Deborah Case brings a lifetime of dance to each class we offer at the Academy. She began her own training at the age of 3 in Texarkana, Texas under Dixie Splawn. She has since been invited back to Texarkana on numerous occasions to train dancers and stage shows, including The Nutcracker.
Her dedication to teaching the Vaganova (Russian method) of dance has brought unbelievable dance professionals to teach at the Dance Academy.
SPONSORSHIP AND DONATION
Each year, the RGV Ballet serves over 7,500 school children with 4 performances of The Nutcracker. Our two public shows brings over 3,400 in attendance from across the Rio Grande Valley. A single performance can cost over $10,000 a day. Ticket sales cover only a portion of the expenses. Rio Grande Valley Ballet relies on the generosity of it’s patrons and business sponsors in helping us provide quality shows to our community. Please join us in making this 51st year an extraordinary season!