Plan the perfect holiday outing around UNCSA's "The Nutcracker" with this curated Greensboro guide. From festive brunches and family attractions to desserts, skating and evening cocktails, discover how to make your performance day feel extra magical from morning to night.

A beloved holiday tradition returns to the Piedmont Triad this December as the UNCSA presents its 60th anniversary production of "The Nutcracker," presented by Flow Automotive. Acclaimed Mexican conductor and Music alumnus Felipe Tristán will lead the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra.

High school senior ballet student Ella Holcomb fulfills a childhood dream as she dances the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and snow in "The Nutcracker." After years of performing in the production she grew up watching, Holcomb reflects on her growth, artistry and the full-circle magic of taking center stage.

From a bold idea in 1963 to a world-class university today, UNCSA has shaped artists and inspired audiences for more than 60 years.

UNCSA is celebrating its 60th anniversary this month, commemorating the moment in 1965 when it opened its doors as the nation's first public arts conservatory. On Sunday, the university will mark the first day of arts and college academic classes, which were held on Sept. 21, 1965, the same day that first President Vittorio Giannini, a Juilliard composer, presided over the opening convocation.

UNCSA has unveiled its 2025-26 performance season, "UNCSA Presents." Tickets go on sale Thursday, Aug. 21 at 10 a.m., for a vibrant and wide-ranging season of dance, drama, music and more, performed by talented UNCSA students, world-class faculty, distinguished alumni and acclaimed guest artists.

Tickets for the UNCSA 60th anniversary production of "The Nutcracker," presented by Flow Automotive, go on sale to the public on Friday, July 25 10 a.m. The beloved holiday ballet will return to the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts in Greensboro for five performances, Dec. 5-7, while the Stevens Center in Winston-Salem continues its comprehensive renovation.

A beloved holiday tradition will return to the Piedmont Triad shortly after Thanksgiving when UNCSA debuts the 2024 production of "The Nutcracker" at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts.

Xavier Cacanindin stars as the Nutcracker Prince in this season's production of "The Nutcracker." Inspired by watching his sister dance as a child, Xavier's journey has been fueled by family support, intensive training and guidance from mentors.