Confluence Ballet’s Jazz Nutcracker reimagines Tchaikovsky’s timeless holiday classic with bold flair. The iconic score is heard through Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s legendary jazz adaptation, with additional arrangements by David Berger. On stage, classical ballet blends seamlessly with a jazzy, contemporary twist to create a vibrant retelling of Clara’s magical adventure. This production is truly genre-bending, featuring collaborations with the Pittsburgh Pride Choir, members of Pittsburgh’s queer line dancing club 412 Step, and a host of local artists across styles—including circus performers and martial artists. The result is a kaleidoscope of music, dance, and spectacle that joyfully breaks tradition while honoring it. Inclusive, inventive, and alive with imagination, Jazz Nutcracker offers a holiday experience that is both warm and wondrous: a celebration of community, artistry, and the power of storytelling through many forms.
