First State Ballet Theatre Presents THE NUTCRACKER at The Grand Opera House on December 13 - 21, 202
Wilmington, DE - First State Ballet Theatre (FSBT) presents THE NUTCRACKER from December 13 - 21, 2025 in Copeland Hall at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington, DE. Tickets are available through The Grand’s Box Office.
Delaware’s holiday tradition returns this December in all its splendor as FSBT celebrates the 25th anniversary of The Nutcracker – the crown jewel of FSBT’s season at The Grand. For over two decades, FSBT’s Nutcracker Prince has leapt across the stage in his bright red jacket, defeating the Mouse King and heralding the arrival of the holidays. Dreaming along with Marie, audiences travel through a swirling snowstorm to the sparkling Land of the Sweets, with Tchaikovsky’s iconic score animating each scene. FSBT’s professional company of 24 dancers, joined by over 40 talented students from The School of FSBT in the children’s roles, bring this magical story to life.
“Whether it’s your first time or your twenty-fifth, The Nutcracker offers a joyous experience the whole family can share,” says Executive Director Kristina Kambalov. “The Nutcracker demonstrates to me both how far we’ve come as an organization and how exceptional artistry has always been at our core.”
“Our dancers shine in The Nutcracker,” shares Artistic Director Pasha Kambalov. “This production really displays the full depth of talent at FSBT - from the youngest students in our school to our professional company.”
Performances run over two festive weekends—December 13–14 and December 20–21—making it the perfect opportunity to gather loved ones, dress up, and celebrate the holidays at The Grand. Single tickets and subscriptions are available through The Grand Box Office, which is accessible online, by phone at (302) 652-5577, or in person at 818 N. Market Street in Wilmington, DE. Subscriptions are offered through The Grand’s MyChoice Series, which provides savings on tickets, service fees, parking, and more. Tickets start at $25. For more information visit FirstStateBallet.org.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
THE NUTCRACKER | 25TH ANNIVERSARY
Delaware’s Holiday Tradition at The Grand
Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Celebrate the season with Delaware’s professional ballet company! Share in Marie’s holiday dream and experience a magical journey through a swirling snowstorm to the Land of Sweets in this lavish production. Copeland Hall | Tickets start at $25.
ABOUT FIRST STATE BALLET THEATRE
Established in 1999 by Artistic Director Pasha Kambalov and Executive Director Kristina Kambalov, First State Ballet Theatre is Delaware's only professional ballet company.
FSBT employs a talented roster of dancers from around the world to present classical and contemporary ballet, including new works from local and internationally recognized choreographers, on stages across Delaware and beyond.
The School of FSBT is ranked in the top 5% of U.S. ballet academies and offers classes year-round at the company’s headquarters at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington, DE and at a new satellite school in Whitehall, DE (near Middletown). The School of FSBT attracts students from all three counties in Delaware as well as Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
FSBT’s mission is to present ballet boldly to Delaware; to enrich the community with live professional performances; to inspire and educate dancers and audiences of the future; and to connect local youth with a creative, inclusive movement experience. FSBT reaches more than 6,000 people annually through its performances and outreach programs.
