Ballet Chelsea and JSO Celebrate Nearly Ten Years of Collaboration
This holiday season, Ballet Chelsea and the Jackson Symphony Orchestra will celebrate nearly a decade of artistic collaboration with a spectacular production of The Nutcracker, combining live dance and live symphonic music to create an unforgettable holiday experience.
Since first partnering in 2017, the two organizations have brought together exceptional dancers and musicians to present performances that showcase the power of the performing arts. This year’s production continues that tradition, with Ballet Chelsea dancers performing to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score played live by the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, the Northwest High School Choirs, and Jackson College Vocal Point.
Performances will take place December 11–13, 2026, at Potter Center on the campus of Jackson College:
- Friday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, December 12 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday, December 13 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets go on sale July 1. Audiences are encouraged to purchase early, as The Nutcracker remains one of the region’s most popular holiday traditions and the best seats are expected to sell quickly.
For many families, The Nutcracker is an annual holiday tradition. Experiencing the ballet with a live orchestra elevates that tradition, creating a powerful connection between music and movement that can only be achieved in a live performance setting.
“The opportunity to present The Nutcracker with a live orchestra transforms the entire production,” said Michelle Quenon, Artistic Director of Ballet Chelsea. “Every moment on stage becomes more dynamic and responsive, allowing dancers and musicians to share the storytelling experience in real time. It creates an energy that audiences can feel from the first note to the final curtain.”
Live orchestral accompaniment is widely regarded as the gold standard for ballet performance, adding depth, emotion, and immediacy to every scene.
“This partnership showcases the incredible talent and cultural resources available within our region,” said Matthew Aubin, Executive and Music Director of the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. “By bringing together a full orchestra and a talented cast of dancers, we’re creating an experience that is both visually stunning and musically unforgettable.”
From the enchanting Snow Scene to the dazzling Kingdom of Sweets, audiences will be immersed in the richness of live music, vibrant costumes, stunning choreography, and timeless storytelling. The production offers an extraordinary holiday experience for longtime ballet enthusiasts and first-time attendees alike.
As Ballet Chelsea and the Jackson Symphony Orchestra approach ten years of collaboration, The Nutcracker stands as a celebration of what is possible when regional arts organizations come together to create something truly special for their community.
Tickets and additional performance information will be available beginning July 1 on the Ballet Chelsea and Jackson Symphony Orchestra websites.
About Ballet Chelsea
Ballet Chelsea is a nonprofit dance organization dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through dance, offering professional-quality performances, dance education, and community outreach programs throughout southeastern Michigan.
About Jackson Symphony Orchestra
The Jackson Symphony Orchestra enriches the region’s cultural life through exceptional orchestral performances, music education, and community engagement, serving audiences throughout south-central Michigan and beyond.
