​Early Bird Tickets are ON SALE now through November 20!

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Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the season with a vibrant, one-of-a-kind holiday tradition

right here in Ellensburg.

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Performances: December 11–14, 2025

Morgan Performing Arts Center

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Support your local nonprofit dance company and experience the wonder of a holiday story

brought to life through ballet, imagination, and community spirit.

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Get your tickets today before prices go up!

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Clement Clarke Moore - A Visit from St. Nicholas

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave a lustre of midday to objects below, When what to my wondering eyes did appear, But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer, With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name: "Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!" As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; So up to the housetop the coursers they flew With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too— And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight— “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

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Storyline:

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas: A Holiday Ballet

 

Experience an enchanting Christmas Eve brought to life on stage, where dreams, mischief, and timeless holiday magic converge in a spellbinding ballet.

On a quiet Christmas Eve, step into a warm Victorian parlor where a loving family—Father, Mother, and Children—gently prepare for bedtime. In the soft glow of a grand fireplace and amidst twinkling lights, they set out cookies and milk in hopeful anticipation of Santa’s visit. As the Father takes one last wistful glance at the sparkling decorations before extinguishing the candle, the night whispers promises of magic yet to come.

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Yet, the silence is not without its playful stirrings. A troupe of mischievous House Mice bursts forth from the shadows, their rapid, comic footwork adding a dash of whimsy and laughter as they scamper and peek at the hidden treasures of the night. 

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When the children drift into dreams, the stage transforms into a fantastical realm. Sugar Plum Visions emerge, twirling in playful, ethereal ballet alongside delightful Gingerbread Dancers, whimsical , and charming Candy Canes. Their graceful, glittering movements evoke the pure wonder of childhood dreams that soon shimmer away like stardust. As midnight nears, the Grandfather Clock Spirit awakens with a hypnotic swing, joined by dreamy, gentle spirits that hint at an extraordinary unfolding.

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A sudden clatter on the lawn sends the Father rushing to the window, where he witnesses a breathtaking sight: a sleigh illuminated by moonlight and eight tiny reindeer dancing in the crisp night air. In this dazzling moment, Santa makes her grand entrance with a spirited en pointe dance. With joyful determination, she surveys the room, nods approvingly, and begins filling stockings with magical precision as dancing Christmas Ornaments and playful Presents join her in a delightful celebration.

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The magic deepens as the enchanted Toy Ball unfolds. Elegant Dolls, brought to life, lead a troupe of Toy Soldiers in a graceful waltz around the resplendent Christmas tree—an expression of pure wonder and jubilation that fills the room with timeless charm.

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After a brief intermission to savor the wonder, Act Two lifts the audience into the realm of nocturnal enchantment. High above, on a starlit rooftop, a vibrant Reindeer Dance erupts. Dressed in elegant brown and gold, the reindeer leap and bound in joyous ballet, their movements setting the stage for Santa’s continued journey.

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As the night turns tender, the awakening children find delight in Santa’s gentle visit. In a heartwarming duet of movement and mime, Santa and the children share a graceful ballet that encapsulates the quiet magic of Christmas morning. Soon after, a serene Christmas Tree Angel glides into view, her flowing white gown and luminous golden wings bestowing blessings upon the household in a delicate, adagio waltz.

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In a burst of playful energy, the Toy Room awakens. Dolls and Toy Soldiers come to life in a spirited, character-driven ballet that is as lively as it is enchanting. 

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Finally, as the magic of the night prepares to take its leave, Santa ascends in a breathtaking Farewell Flight. With a tender gesture—her finger gently placed aside her nose—she rises gracefully up the chimney. In a moment of pure wonder, stage magic transforms her ascent into a mesmerizing journey as the reindeer “take flight” against a backdrop of a twinkling night sky, Santa’s sleigh silhouetted against the glowing moon.

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The evening concludes in a triumphant Finale: the entire cast unites in a joyous, exuberant ensemble ballet. With celebratory leaps, spirited turns, and a cascade of festive energy, every character joins to echo the timeless message of the season. As the Narrator’s warm voice resonates through the theater, the magic of the night is summed up in a heartfelt proclamation:

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

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Join us for this unforgettable ballet—a celebration of dreams, magic, and the enduring spirit of Christmas that will enchant audiences of all ages.