The holiday season in Fayetteville would be incomplete without the cherished tradition of Charlotte Blume School of Dance’s annual production of Tchaikovsky’s magnificent ballet, The Nutcracker. 2025 marks the 56th consecutive staging of the beloved Christmas story by the venerable institution, continuing a legacy built on artistic excellence and community spirit.
The two public performances will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14, both at 3 p.m., at the Crown Theatre at 2405 Gillespie St.
The Nutcracker tells the classic Christmas Eve story of Clara, who receives a mysterious nutcracker doll from her godfather at a family party. After the doll is broken and Clara falls asleep, she awakens in a magical land where her broken toy transforms into a Prince and leads her on an enchanting adventure. The ballet is a festive showcase of dazzling choreography and music that has captured the imagination of families for generations.
The enduring success of this production is rooted in the history of its founder, Charlotte Blume, who started the school 71 years ago. Blume was a true pioneer in Fayetteville, establishing a lasting legacy that was ahead of its time.
"Charlotte Blume started a legacy, more than a tradition," said Dina Lewis, executive director of the Blume School of Dance. "She created an integrated studio at a time when segregation was still the norm; everyone was welcome."
This commitment to inclusivity remains a guiding principle today. Lewis reflected on her own experience, having directed the production for 11 years. She added, “Charlotte Blume taught me to work harder and keep trying and get better; I admired her then and admire her even more now.”
The glittering final performances are the culmination of a year-long effort. Planning for each production begins in January, almost immediately after the previous holiday’s curtains close. Auditions are traditionally held on Palm Sunday, with additional opportunities available during the summer for new students to join the ranks.
The cast, which ranges from the youngest dancers, starting at just 3.5 years old, up to seniors in high school, commits countless hours to rehearsal and preparation. Their success is a testament to the dedication of the dancers, the unwavering commitment and support from their families, and the collaboration of the wider community.
The 2025 production promises to be especially memorable, featuring a host of unique additions. This year, audiences will be treated to all brand-new costumes, bringing fresh vibrancy to the iconic scenes.
The most poignant change is the Mother Ginger number, which will be performed in honor of Sheila Mitchell, a beloved instructor who dedicated more than 50 years to the Blume School of Dance. The choreography for the piece will feature influences from Mrs. Mitchell, and notably, all the dancers performing the piece were personally influenced and trained by her over the years. It will serve as a moving tribute to a cornerstone of the school’s history.
Adding to the cast’s community flavor, the production will welcome special guest performers, including Andy Dualan, Jaron Warton, and Nicholas Campanello. All three men are either active duty or former Army servicemen, demonstrating the school's ongoing connection to Fayetteville's strong military community as they help bring the classic story to life.
With three sold-out school-day performances and two public showings, the enduring power of The Nutcracker to usher in the holiday spirit remains strong. Tickets for the public performances on Dec. 13 and 14 are available now and can be secured through the Crown Complex website at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/blume-school-of-dance-presents-the-nutcracker-1. Don't miss the chance to experience this treasured local event, a celebration of history, inclusion, and the magic of Christmas.

(Photo courtesy of Charlotte Blume School of Dance)