CRACKED NUTS
December 29-30, 2025 at the Cultural Center in Grand Rapids
Experience a hilarious take on the holiday classic in one fun-filled evening of food, drinks, and dance! This immersive evening includes hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, gift raffles, photos with Santa, and a sidesplitting performance of Cracked Nuts, featuring special guest dancers from Essence MVMT Collective! You’ll want to leave the kids at home for this one, so grab your gal pals, partner, work friends, or whoever you’d love to share a few drinks, desserts, and a laugh with — this ADULT ONLY take on the Nutcracker is a must-see!
Looking for a Traditional Nutcracker experience? There are TWO MORE WAYS to enjoy Deos Contemporary Ballet this Nutcracker season!
Michigan Ballet Academy’s “The Nutcracker” choreographed by Ericka Goss. Photo by Ray Nard Imagemaker.
Holland Symphony Orchestra’s Home for the Holidays
Saturday, December 13 at 3:30 and 7:30pm
West Ottawa Performing Arts Center
Holland Symphony Orchestra & Deos Contemporary Ballet
Johannes Müller Stosch, Music Director & Conductor
Steven & Allison Martin, vocalists
HSO also welcomes students from the Holland Area Youth Orchestra and Music Director Josh Zallar for select movements.
Join HSO and select dancers from the Deos Ballet for festive selections from The Nutcracker! Also on the program is Leroy Anderson’s classic Sleigh Ride, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and some of the Martins’ favorite songs, including “The Prayer,” “O Holy Night,” and “Ave Maria.” Rounding out the family-friendly concert will be the audience favorite “Christmas Singalong,” full of well-known holiday carols!
Michigan Ballet Academy’s “The Nutcracker”
Friday, December 19 - Sunday, December 21
East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center
Michigan Ballet Academy and Deos Contemporary Ballet are proud to bring this wonderful show to East Grand Rapids this December! Featuring Michigan Ballet Academy students, community dance students, and professional dancers from Deos Contemporary Ballet, this performance of a holiday classic will bring season’s cheer to the entire family. Join Clara in her enchanting adventure with feisty mice, dancing bonbons, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the brave Nutcracker prince!
Michigan Ballet Academy’s “The Nutcracker” choreographed by Ericka Goss. Photo by Ray Nard Imagemaker.
Two Ways to Give
1. General Donation
Your general donation fuels everything we do:
Bold, inspiring performances that bring contemporary ballet to life
Mentorship and professional connections for aspiring young dancers
Community outreach programs that make the arts accessible to all
Every dollar directly supports the dancers, choreographers, educators, and programs that make Deos a vibrant part of Grand Rapids’ arts community.
2. Pointe Shoe Fund
Help keep our dancers safe, strong, and performing at their best.
A single pair of pointe shoes can cost up to $150, and for a professional ballerina, they can wear out quickly. Properly replacing worn shoes isn’t a luxury. It’s essential for injury prevention, alignment, and the long-term health of every dancer.
By giving to the Pointe Shoe Fund, you’re providing the tools our artists rely on every day. It’s a direct way to impact a dancer’s experience, safety, and artistry.
Why Your Gift Matters
When you give to Deos, you’re not just supporting a performance. You’re:
Investing in local artists
Strengthening the cultural fabric of your city
Expanding arts education and outreach in Grand Rapids
Ensuring that contemporary ballet has a thriving home in our community
Your generosity keeps the arts alive—and ensures that everyone has the chance to experience the beauty, discipline, and joy that dance brings.
Give Today. Make a Difference That Moves.
Together, we can continue building a creative community where dancers grow, audiences are inspired, and the arts flourish.
Thank you for supporting Deos Contemporary Ballet this Giving Tuesday
“Deos Ballet’s 2024/2025 season closer leans on the company’s strengths, rigor, imagination and daring.”
Company Dancers
