A Stage Shared in Grinnell

Photo Essay: Professional ballet and local young dancers come together for a memorable Nutcracker performance

Campus & Community
Dec 16, 2025

At the end of November, the Grinnell community gathered for a truly special performance of The Nutcracker, made possible through a collaboration between Grinnell College, the Grinnell School of Music, the Grinnell Area Arts Council, and Ballet Des Moines. More than a professional production, the performance brought 30 local young dancers onto the stage alongside professional ballerinas, creating an experience that celebrated artistry, mentorship, and community connection. With a record-setting audience filling the Grinnell High School auditorium, the evening highlighted the power of partnerships and the shared joy of the arts in Grinnell. 

Photos were provided by Jennifer Weinman Photography. 

The Party Scene 

nutcracker ballet
little girls performing in the nutcracker on stage in dresses
2 adults and children dancing on stage with a Christmas tree in the background
man dressed in green dancing on stage

The Battle Scene

little girls crawling in on stage in mice costumes
little girls performing nutcracker on dark stage
Girl and boy on stage doing ballet with Christmas tree in background
Nutcraker on stage with soilders behind

The Snow Scene

dark snow scene on stage with girls in white dressing doing ballet
dark snow scene on stage with girls in white dressing doing ballet
dark snow scene on stage with a man and a woman in white dancing ballet
Dancer on Stage

Community Dancers 

children standing on stage in costumes from the Nutcracker for a photo

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