The Nutcracker ballet last night at the Smith Center was truly a special experience. The costumes and sets were the most original, unique and marvelous . Absolutely fantastic. The dancing was superb. The children in the ballet were so perfect and able . Truly amazing. Thank you for a very special ballet experience. Accolades to all!!!! A must to see. read more

A night at the Smith Center is always very special. However the 2025 Nutcracker was a little disappointing. I have seen many. The first half of the Christmas Party and the Battle with the Rat King would be hard to follow unless one knew the story line. The brave soldier dressed in a light blue uniform seemed odd. The dancers of the second half were obviously impressive. Clara and her brave soldier sitting in honor on what seemed like a raised bench was strange. Overall, the performance version was somewhat lacking. Let's make 2026 better. I will be there !!! read more

Pros: Great guest teachers. Cons: Those great guest teachers only train teens and young adults. Pros: The place has a great history of training great dancers. Cons: If your dancer is very young, under 8 y. o., don't expect the teachers to correct them. Pros: Great performances of all classes at the Smith Center every season. Cons: The place would not allow parents to watch the class. That's why it's impossible to help your kid (if the teacher is not correcting your kid's moves during the class). Pros: There are two observation weeks a year when you as a parent can come and see what progress was made. Cons: But that's not enough to really make progress as a dancer if the teacher is not helping the kid in the classroom. read more

I attended the December 21, 2024, 7:30 pm performance of the Nutcracker. Unfortunately, the production was tepid at best, especially without the magic of a live orchestra. Given the price for seats, what was delivered from set, to choreography, to dancing, was not to the standards of a state ballet. The first issue is that it is NOT clear when you purchase tickets that the music is canned. When I read news articles stating the orchestra was not part of the production, I called and requested my money back and was refused. I was told "all sales are final". This was prior to the Thursday 3 pm deadline to request money back. The choreography was very watered down, and felt almost basic. The dancer playing Clara had solid technique, but constantly looked surprised the entire role. It took away from her performance. Poor Sugar Plum had a bad night - and I know this happens to performers - but - for the price of the tickets - you should be able to land a triple pirouette and do Italian fouettés in attitude instead of coupé. Bless her heart - she did a triple pirouette, fell out. Did another triple, fell out. Doubled the next pirouette in hopes of salvaging it, but wobbled out of the double. Girl... I felt bad for her. It looked like she was nervous or having a bad night. The divertissements were good - but the choreography let these dancers down, especially Arabian. Russian was the most spectacular. From the production perspective, it was "odd". Firstly, the extremely loud cannon was unnecessary. I think it scared a lot of people in the audience. Not appropriate for a city coming off two major mass shootings (Oct 1 and UNLV). Then, NBT doubled down and did a streamer cannon at the end of the ballet. Are we at the ballet or a show on the strip??? On the other side of things, the Snow scene was lovely. Much of the dance time was occupied by a Star-Wars style opening crawl telling the story of the Nutcracker. This took away from the production. If you need to tell the story because people don't know it (for some reason) put it in the program. Balanchine said the most important part of Nutcracker was the tree. In the NBT production, it does not grow - its a set change to a larger tree in the background. Given the technology of Las Vegas productions, this could have been spectacular. It feels like budget was an issue. The sets were basic and disappointing, especially given how spoiled we are here in Vegas with shows and effects. I really wanted to experience the Nutcracker magic with this production and it didn't deliver. However, the lady and her daughter beside me were absolutely delighted. So maybe if you're not a performer, or haven't seen many shows, you have a more open perspective. For me, this was a test run to see if I wanted to invest in season tickets. I'd spend $60/ticket, but not the $150 I did for Nutcracker. I'm willing to try out another performance in the Spring, but for now, I me and my disappointment need a break. read more

Shame on you for going with canned music rather than a live orchestra! The orchestra is HALF of the overall performance, and reason people come to see the Nutcracker.  I thought Theater companies were supposed to be supporters of the arts. Removing a live orchestra does nothing but hurt the performance and overall affect of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece. Heaven forbid someone needs a longer vamp to complete a costume change, or missing a prop, or any that could be covered with a LIVE Orchestra.  The beauty and magnificence of the Ballet is just that of the gracefulness of the dancers, but it is the Pa de Deux between the performers on stage and the emotion coming from the pit that moves audiences immeasurably more than a recording. Heaven forbid someone needs a longer vamp to complete a costume change, or missing a prop, or any that could be covered with a LIVE Orchestra.  Shameful! read more

It's unfortunate that once they have your money that is all they care about. These people are heartless. I've been attending NBT performances for over a decade and have spent a lot of money to see these performances. We had an unforeseen situation arise and they were un accommodating. Truly no compassion for the situation we were dealing with. Terrible to treat your customers like this. Shame on you NBT for collecting our money and have zero empathy for a long time patron. Save your money and support other local theaters and libraries who truly appreciate your business unlike NBT. read more

The Nevada Ballet Theatre continues to do fantastic performances of The Nutcracker. The continue to find, train and retain great dancers. If you've never seen a performance, I'd highly recommend you do! It's a great group to support. read more

Nevada Ballet Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Las Vegas, Nevada

I am surprised by how good the local ballet is! I didn't expect it to compare favorably to ballets from bigger cities, but it is actually quite good! To whoever may run the ballet's account, I have a strong recommendation for you: Please provide a warning for those with auditory sensitivity. The loud cannon booms were unexpected and made my daughter, who has Sensory Processing Disorder, very scared and upset. She was crying for a while at the end, and it overshadowed her enjoyment of the ballet. Just like you would have a warning for if there were flashing lights, I suggest a warning for kids and people with auditory sensitivity. If we had known ahead of time, we could have brought my daughter's headphones. But it didn't occur to me that this would be an issue at a ballet performance! The ballet itself is otherwise fantastic. Congratulations to all the dancers and musicians! read more

I have seen the Nutcracker in various cities and was very disappointed with the Las Vegas production. When I bought the tickets, I expected there to be a live orchestra. I am surprised that I was not offered a refund when the orchestra decided to go on strike. The Nutcracker is about the story -- but the music is a HUGE part of the production. I was not impressed with the scenery, nor the choreography. The pas de deux was very repetitive and the dancers didn't WOW me with any great moves. We actually left at intermission -- I was bored - without the live orchestra --- it just doesn't make the cut. I would NOT recommend going. Too bad..... read more

The talent is impeccable. We've seen the Nutcracker a few times and the performers are amazing. However, whomever is in charge of decor for their "festive" time of year performances has missed the mark two years in a row. We will never pay to go to the Nutcracker again because the attention to detail with regards to the Christmas season is gone. The decor consisted of green garland with faded gold balls here and there. No carolers, no Christmas ornament vendors and no hot chocolate. I give them credit for having an amazing Santa Claus for people to take their kids to but for Everything else, this was an event that clearly directed towards stuffy adults and not kids, families or people wanting to soak up the holiday season. For this reason, we will never go to the Nutcracker again. :( read more

I have been taking (adult) ballet with Marcus from 10:30am-12pm five days a week for almost a year now. Marcus takes incredible care to make sure he greets each and every student every day with a hug. He emits such joy, it is obvious he genuinely loves teaching and takes great care of his students, wether they are brand new or repeat! My first class I was so nervous I took a place at the barre in the very back of the class. I had just moved from Orlando and was surrounded by NBT Company members, but Marcus still welcomed me in, asked my name, complimented me after class and encouraged me to come back. When I returned the following week, he greeted me BY NAME and I knew right then I'd found the right learning environment. Also, Marcus' class playlists are awesome! Some days are traditionally classical, but most are classically adapted Pop songs or (my personal favorite,) Broadway! Marcus' daughter usually also takes class and is an excellent resource for questions! She's always willing to do the floor combos again if someone is struggling and is quick to praise improved skillsets and technique - everyone just exudes such positive energy! When I first moved to Vegas in July ('16) I was initially taking ballet at a rival studio, but as an adult who still seeks correction and makes mistakes in class, I felt incredibly judged both the instructors and the students when I turned the wrong direction or asked a question. I am so glad to have found Marcus' class - I could never leave! During the summer, NBT's Company members are often present to stay sharp in their off-season. While intimidating, they are quite friendly and it is a luxury to watch true professionals and simultaneously try to mimic their technique. Conversely, older members of the community are also in regular attendance, taking class to stay in shape. It is considered an Int/beg Adv class, but pointe shoes and leotards are not mandatory and anyone with determination should not be deterred! read more

Nevada Ballet Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Las Vegas, Nevada

Dracula at The Smith Center by NBT OMG!  Whether you are a ballet fan or a fan of Dracula, or a fan of Broadway or dance, don't miss this amazing performance. It will run daily at The Smith Center Las Vegas October 6 to 8 inclusive.This exhilarating performance has something for everyone. There are three scenes and two intermissions. All scenes are very different from each other, yet entwined in telling the story. My impression is that it feels like a perfect fusion between ballet, Broadway, mime and story telling, with thrills, horror, love, anticipation and a felling that the audience is part of the performance. Dracula is amazing and suits the part down to a tee. With his sinister looks, hypnotizing dance moves, amazing costumes and more. I have included the link below with all the performer's details, photos and some videos. Dracula's brides, are mesmerizing with their dance moves, costumes and beauty. They would surely lure any man to his death. During the performance, I couldn't take my eyes off the stage for a second, as there was so much going on. Scene two is set in old Transylvania, with beautiful mountains and a quaint, old time village. The folk dancing scenes and the courtship scenes, gave me goosebumps until Dracula and one of his brides, appeared to spoil the celebrations. The period costumes and the stage settings are spot on. Scene three is set in Dracula's Lair. The age old fight of good verses evil. The beautiful bride to be, gets kidnapped by Dracula and the fight to make her one of his zombie style brides begins. She resist as best she can as she is in love with her fiance. I really enjoyed this performance and the timing is apropos with Halloween just around the corner. The story, of good verses evil and love conquers all, is as old as time and is told beautifully, without a single word being spoken, so it transcends all language barriers. I would highly recommend it to all ages. You have only a few days of performances left, so don't let this one get away or you will be sorry you did. Congratulations to all concerned both front and back house and back the house. Bravo! https://nevadaballet.org/performances/dracula/ read more

I have been to several of Nevada Ballet Theatre's programs at UNLV, but this was my first NBT Studio show. Tonight's program was called "Beyond Word and Text" and featured 5 works choreographed by members of the company. During the 5 dances, these young people showed their amazing talent whether through the choreography or the dancing. The Studio Theatre is an intimate room. These shows will now go to CLark County Schools as part of the arts in schools program. The next studio series will be at the Smith Center in the Spring of 2012 when NBT moves to the Smith Center for the Performing Arts. read more

This review is for their Nutcracker performance in the Paris hotel (2011)! I was able to attend the first of ten shows. All the hard work paid off, you can tell with their performances! Others, probably the top student in the class, showed skills beyond the other students but everyone did great! I know this is a yearly Las Vegas tradition but this was my first time attending. I can only imagine what a live orchestra to accompany the dance would be like, but I'll stop dreaming now and say congrats on a great performance. And I liked how the performers would come back out (not in the end) to get a second round of applause, they deserve it! Looking forward to next year! read more

extremely frustrating The process of trying to purchase tickets for a group over eight. you can't purchase online and there is only one person in the office seems to be part time who is unable to get back to you to process your payment. seems absolutely ridiculous to me and bad customer service that other people are not able to take payment. Poor customer service and bad management. I love the ballet and it's wonderful to be able to go once or twice a year but this process is extremely frustrating when you have a group of 12 to 15 people you're trying to get tickets for you should be able to call and buy them I understand they're trying to cut down on scamming however only having one person to take payment it's just silly. read more

I attend this theater as an adult ballet student. They are the ONLY dance studio in the city that has an adult only ballet class. Other studio want to shove you in with their older teenage students. Ummm...no thank you, my ego does not need that. The instructors at the Nevada Ballet Theatre are professional, friendly, and very knowledgeable. The classes are a good price and you get your moneys worth. Taking a ballet class has become my way of re-centering myself and this is my favorite place to go! read more

As many who have read my reviews already know by now: I am gay. (Sorry, Duckarmy.) With that being said, and being no subject matter expert on ballet, I thoroughly enjoyed the NBT's brilliant rendition of The Nutcracker. (YMMV.) Before taking in their excellent performance -- at Reynolds Hall in The Smith -- my only experiences with ballet consisted of watching Black Swan (motion picture, not actual ballet), and the first season of NBC's Smash (fabulous!). Moreover, I also read somewhere that ballet was beneficial for American football players or something (even the 'straight' ones). Cannot really think of anything else. (You get the point.) Nevada Ballet Theatre did a stupendously talented job with The Nutcracker. I applaud, encourage, and laud their performance -- the one I attended -- in the 2013 season, in addition to their continued efforts to make our valley a bit less duckish. Next year, I will make it a point to go to another, but this time with the accompanying orchestra! Oh, bravo! Bravo, cry I once more for thee. Bravo. - E read more

Let me start by saying that we came into Las Vegas looking to see a show, Cirque, but seeing as the prices were extremely high, we gave up. Luckily, my boyfriend was looking online and asked if they had a ballet company in the area. I did know that this company existed, however, I did not realize that they performed so close to downtown, so I suggested we look up the trailer for the show. We had just came into town from watching the Joffrey Nutcracker (new this year by Wheeldon) and I was afraid that this one would not size next to that one. But, since I am a ballet dancer myself, I said "why not", especially since audition season is coming up. Tickets were little pricey, but I saw that they had $30 nosebleeds, which again put me in fear since I thought we wouldn't be able to see anything, but I was wrong. There are no bad seats at the Smith Center, and they had a student discount, so we got $8 off the ticket (yahoo!!!). I must say that I have never been as enchanted as I was seeing this company dance. It wasn't as traditional as I wanted it to be, for my boyfriend, since the Joffrey production was more broadway-esque, and anything but traditional (still spectacular). However, I must say that I was enchanted. I felt like any of the little kids whose eyes were popped wide open hanging onto the railings. I have never felt that way, so I suggest that if you are in town and would like to see professional and magical productions, give this company a chance! We both agreed that this was a much more magical experience than the Joffrey show (both still equally good!). It was nice as a date, since almost everyone was dressed so fancy (even more than I have seen anywhere else). Just give it a shot! :) read more

.....28miles drive ONE WAY to NBT 6X a week with 4 children plus a friend (3 high schools & 5th gr & 7th gr. ) with different schedules is worth it! Instructors are truly professionals and knowledgeable and caring. The front office staff are equally fabulous. This school is a NO Fantasy and Disney Land type of school. Gives no none sense and realistic Ballet, Jazz, Tap dance instructions/classes & empowers students develop their highest dance potential thus resulting to great shows, fabulous dancers and college scholarships. On top of that - NBT is a resident performers of Smith Center for the Performing Arts. The only ballet school in the State of Nevada who has a ballet company which is something younger students may look forward to. read more

Review for The Nutcracker at The Smith Center (12/21/14) My Background: 28 yr-old female. As a child, I watched the 1992 movie version, so that was essentially my only comparison. I saw it once on stage. I've never seen any other ballets. I watched this with my brother (a music major) and my 78-yr-old (LDS/ Mormon) grandmother from Idaho. My grandmother (unsurprisingly) commentated on the "skimpy" outfits of the female dancers, also saying something to the effect of "the men can get away with it." However, she was very impressed with the costumes overall, the props, transitions, and the backgrounds (as was I). They had some imaginative and striking costumes. The music was, of course, beautiful. read more

The Nevada Ballet Theatre presented "The Nutcracker" at the Paris Theatre. An amazing performance that I highly recommend to everyone! read more

Nevada Ballet Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Las Vegas, Nevada

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Whoever told the ballet to get rid of the live orchestra and whoever designed the horrible sets for the nutcracker should be fired. Don't try to change the nutcracker. Your changes are horrible. Had tickets for Christmas Eve but I'm canceling them after the horror I saw in the second act. Beautiful dancers horrible behind the scenes decisions. read more

I saw the Nevada Ballet's rendition of the Nutcracker at the Paris Hotel last week. The dancing was great and the sets were nice, but I've never been a fan of shows where the story is told solely through dance. Just give me a few words... can I buy a couple vowels please? Some singing -- whether or not from live performers or pre-recorded music -- would enhance any show. I know this show is a popular tradition around Xmas time for many, but it's not one that I want to partake in often. It is a well executed show, but just not my cup of tea. Still, it's a good show for what it is. read more

While I like the idea of sending my daughter to a professional ballet theater, they have no real concern as a teaching institution. Everything is about making the school look good at their annual performances. Asking 5-6 year old kids to stay up rehearsing past 9:30 pm on a school night is insane. Then turn around and have to perform the next night, which is also a school night. Perhaps someone with children should should assist in creating the performance and rehearsal schedule. Some of us actually want our kids to be productive at school academically. Not to mention the fact that you will receive an email when your child misses a class threatening to keep them out of the performance. In addition, there are many mandatory rehearsals. Again, they can't perform if they miss one. Also, expect to have packed classes. I'm not sure they are learning any fundamentals with so many kids in the class. This is not our first year at NBT, but it is our last. Needless to say, we will not be back! read more

I really liked Brave New World and I am looking forward to their post nutcracker season. They seem to have a modern vision which I really love. Plus there is nothing cuter than their bikes and ballet. read more

Looking for a place to enroll your child (or yourself) in a dance class? Well, look no more! I've enrolled my daughter here since fall of last year, and she LOVES this place. They're really sweet and helpful here. Although you can't watch your child in their dance class, they have observation week! And I'm okay by that! I actually think it's a great idea. Anyway, tuition is pretty affordable. And as long as my daughter is happy dancing, I'll be enrolling her over and over in her classes :) read more

If you haven't seen NBT's Nutcracker at The Smith Center, you're missing out! A true Vegas Gem! Not to be missed! read more

Nevada Ballet Theatre - NBT Nutcracker - Performing Arts Near Me - Las Vegas, Nevada

this is sh**t place to take your kids to learn ballet, they always got excuses not having classes for your kids. you got robbed by paying full month for tuition and not getting your kids the whole month classes. they so call non profit and they charge you 10% over the monthly fee if you forget to pay just one day late. screw this school, there are many other places much cheaper if not better instructors than this place. this place suck. read more

I have had several people tell me the quality of the dancers is nothing to brag about. Ballerinas struggling with more than one pirouette on pointe, choreography that does not match the music, sloppy technique. After seeing "The Nutcracker" at the Smith Center I would have to agree with all of the above. The dancers really need some discipline and lots more practice! read more

My daughter has been going here about 3 years, this year they decided to move venues for their recital and have it on a Tuesday in the middle of the school week and her dress rehearsal was on Monday night till 9pm, she's six! We have a strict bedtime of 8pm and now in order for her to perform she has to stay up till 10pm both nights?!? She just got home, is starving even with the snacks I sent her and said she had no time to do her homework because she literally had to be there straight from school!! So now she has to go to bed late get up extra early to complete her homework and do it again tomorrow. I am very baffled my the decision to do a recital during the week with all these young kids who have school. Needless to say, we won't be returning next year......... read more

I brought my daughter here for an audition for another ballet companies summer intensive. At first I was really impressed with the facility. The building is large and spacious. I want to say that the teachers and students lacked studio etiquette. They are incredibly loud in the halls and show no respect for current classes and auditions taking place. I felt horrible for the girls in the audition because the students were so loud and distracting. Running up and down the halls, screaming and laughing. The entire time the two girls at the front desk just sat there having a conversation ignoring the complete chaos happening around them. It was only when one of the girls working at the front left to go home that the other girl finally came over and told all the students in the hall to keep it down since there was an audition going on. It was an hour into the audition, not much help at that point. They kept it down for a minute and then went right back to running around and yelling. I feel that this school needs to teach the students respect and discipline. If they have a chance of going and dancing professional anywhere else there is basic etiquette and manners that they will need to take with them. Also when my daughter came out of the audition she said the floors were extremely slippery and it was very hard to do the audition. Overall I think this studio needs some work. read more