🎄✨ Be Part of the Magic – Join the 2025 Nutcracker Cast! ✨🎄
The Academy of Performing Arts & Next Step Dance Studio are proud to present a special winter dance production of The Nutcracker! This production is open to all current students - including those in competitive dance, music, or theatre - who are interested in performing through dance! This 12-week program offers a unique opportunity to build confidence, teamwork, and stage experience in a festive, storybook setting. No prior dance experience is required — just a love for performing and trying something new!
Current students: This is an additional opportunity beyond your regular Winter Recitals, designed to enrich your training — not replace your weekly classes.
🌟 New to Our Studios? Welcome!
You don’t have to be a current APA or NSDS student to join the magic. If your child loves to perform, dream big, or try something new, The Nutcracker is the perfect introduction to our performing arts programs! We’ll guide them every step of the way — no experience needed, just a willingness to have fun and be part of something special.
Spots are limited, so come be part of this unforgettable holiday tradition! Keep scrolling for ALL the info, and click "Sign Me Up" to register!
You'll receive a beautifully wrapped gift, ready to put under your tree!
The deadline to order your add-on gift is December 10th, with pickup of the gift the week of December 16th-21st.
🎅 Our staff will email you to remind you to pickup your gift.
Program Details:
Weekly Rehearsals (Required):
Students must be available for all rehearsals and performances and will be excused from any classes at APA or NSDS if applicable.
📅 Saturdays, September 6th – November 8th
📍 Location: APA Franklin Studio: 10001 St. Martins Rd.
🕜 Rehearsal Class Times:
- Grades K5–2nd: Saturdays 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
- Grades 3rd–6th: Saturdays 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Rehearsal Dress Code: Any colored leotard - this can be your regular dress code leotard if you are a current student.
-Mice (Grades K5–2nd) - pink ballet shoes and pink tights
-Soldiers (Grades 3rd–6th) - black ballet shoes and tan tights
Tuition & Fees:
Includes ALL rehearsals and production costs (costumes are rentals and not owned by dancers).
💲Cost: $229
Potential Add-On Costs: If you do not already have the necessary dance attire (above), these items are available to purchase at the studio!
🎫 Spectator tickets will be available for purchase in October.
What’s Included:
- 12 weeks of structured rehearsals!
- Costume & Prop Rentals!
- A condensed, family-friendly Nutcracker performance!
- Collaborative cast featuring APA & NSDS dancers - new students also welcome!
- An exciting stage experience to celebrate the holidays!
Performance Details:
📆Tech Week/Dress Rehearsals (Required):
Students must be available for all rehearsals and performances and will be excused from any classes at APA or NSDS if applicable.
-Saturday, November 15: 2:00–5:00 PM @ Oak Creek Parkway Gym (10940 S. Nicholson Rd., Oak Creek)
- Wednesday, November 19: 5:00–8:00 PM @ OCPAEC
- Thursday, November 20: 5:00–8:00 PM @ OCPAEC
- Friday, November 21: 4:00–6:30 PM @ OCPAEC
📅 Two Performances at OCPAEC!:
- Friday, November 21st - 7pm Show
- Saturday, November 22nd - 1pm Show
What Parents Have To Say:
★★★★★
Being a member of the studio has not only taught our daughter how to dance, but has also taught her about commitment and teamwork, and has increased her self-confidence. Our daughter loves going to dance class and competitions, not only to see the wonderful friends she has made but also because her coaches make learning and competing exciting, challenging and fun.
-Devin H.-
★★★★★
Next Step is absolutely fabulous. The teachers are kind, patient, and engaging for even the littlest dancers. My daughter comes smiling out of each class. There is a solid routine but also new activities to work on different skills. I'm very impressed by the thoughtful consideration put into each class. Very worth it!
-Rebecca A.-
★★★★★
In addition to learning the fundamentals and discipline of dance, Kate has made new friends and developed socially, as well. She can hardly wait to go to ballet and tap each week because, "Dance day is the BEST day of the week!" I am also pleased with the knowledge and dedication of the staff at The Academy.