Ballet Afrique – Duke Ellington’s The Nutcracker Suite

Ballet Afrique returns to the stage with the fifth annual production of Duke Ellington’s The Nutcracker Suite. On December 19th, audiences will have the opportunity to experience the holiday season reimagined through the lively, jazz-infused sounds of Ellington’s take on Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.

Ballet Afrique’s Nutcracker Suite transports audiences to Harlem, immersing them in the rhythm and vibrance of Duke Ellington’s world. The production unfolds against the energetic backdrop of jazz-filled streets and a Candyland below a Harlem apartment, where tradition and innovation collide in a spectacle of ballet, contemporary, and African dance.

This year’s cast includes notable figures from Austin’s Black community, each bringing their unique artistry to the stage:

• Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison as Mother Ginger
• Riders Against the Storm and DAWA Founder Qi Da Da as Clarinet Mother, alongside Chaka Trombone Charles
• Imani F. Aanu as The Shopkeeper