The Nutcracker returns to the stage for Colorado Ballet’s 65th season to delight audiences of all ages. This timeless tradition and audience favorite captures the festive spirit of the season, replete with mischievous dancing mice, sweet Sugar Plums, a symphony of swirling snowflakes, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.

The event is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes long. The link below is for the live stream (date and time are listed below) and the recording will be available at the same link for 7 days following the live stream. (From 12/5/25- 12/12/25). Link requires a password (see below).

The Colorado Ballet offers fantastic supplemental resources for its free Digital Broadcasts and families are highly encouraged to use them!

The Main Guide: Understanding Ballet

Elementary Level Guide to The Nutcracker

Middle-High School Level Guide to The Nutcracker

Background on Tchaikovsky

After viewing, if you feel inclined, please fill out the viewer survey.

When: Friday, December 5, 2025 at 10:00am PT / 11:00am MT / 12:00pm CT / 1:00pm ET*

*The theater is on MT in Denver, Colorado. Please take note of the event in your particular zone. This is the date/time for the LIVE STREAM. The recording will be available at the same link from 12/5/25-12/12/25.

Who: Open to all Braintree Academy families!

Questions: Contact Ashley at virtualevents.braintree@malad.us (for Idaho Families) / virtual.events@braintreeed.com (for All Other States)

Join us HERE!

Password: MouseKing2025

If you cannot attend, no cancellation is required.

Explore & Grow: Theater & Music Lights up on learning! This print-and-go packet turns a live performance into an arts-integrated, reflective experience. Students name and track emotions, notice how actors and musicians communicate through movement and sound, compare live shows to movies or radio, and respond with creative and informational writing—organized by grade bands (Little Explorers, Pathfinders, Navigators) so you can print exactly what you need before, during, or after the show.

What’s inside (highlights)

• Feelings check-ins and seek-and-find listening/color activities

• Evidence-based reflections on how emotions were expressed on stage

• Venn diagram comparisons: Movies vs. Theater or Radio vs. Live Music

• Behind-the-scenes prompts on what it takes to stage a show

• Writing tasks: persuasive review, theme analysis, and first-person narratives (character/instrument), plus a logo/drawing prompt

How to use Preview key theater/music terms (cast, scene, tempo, dynamics) and audience etiquette, bring programs and pencils for quick notes during the show, then wrap up with a short review or live-vs-film compare/contrast back in class. Print only the pages you need by grade level.