NASHVILLE, Tenn. – September 25, 2024 - Nashville Ballet has announced the date for their annual Nutcracker Tea to be held on November 24 from 3 - 5 p.m. at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. The highly-anticipated event serves as the official kickoff party of Nashville Ballet’s favorite holiday tradition, and raises much needed funds to support the School of Nashville Ballet’s Scholarship Fund. The funds raised from this event allow Nashville Ballet to award over $250,000 annually in merit and need-based scholarships, providing high-quality dance training to students of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
This enchanting, family-friendly event, co-chaired by Leigh Adams, Crystal Churchwell Evans and Julie Galbierz, gives attendees the opportunity to experience the Sugar Plum Fairy's kingdom, the Mouse King, Clara and her Nutcracker Prince, up close and personal. The festive, Nashville’s Nutcracker-themed party brings the joy of the season by offering a shortened, interactive version of Nashville Ballet’s holiday classic, Nashville’s Nutcracker for little ones. The event is geared towards preschool to elementary ages, but all ages are welcome to join in what is sure to be the perfect way to celebrate this beloved ballet.
“I am so thrilled to be co-chairing the Nutcracker Tea for its second year,” said Julie Galbierz. “Last year was such a magical experience for young families, helping kick off the festive Nutcracker season and establishing a new, beloved holiday tradition. This year, we’re planning to make the event even bigger and brighter, with more activities, special surprises and plenty of space for extra ballet magic. Leigh, Crystal, and I are also proud to be raising money for Nashville Ballet's scholarship fund, helping give the gift of dance education to deserving children regardless of age, background or ability.”
Attendees will enjoy hot chocolate, treats, arts and crafts, and other whimsical activities. Featuring appearances by beloved Nashville’s Nutcracker characters, festive adult beverages and a professional photo opportunity, this event is a perfect way to spend the afternoon with the entire family.
Nashville’s Nutcracker Tea tickets are on sale now and expected to sell out quickly. Visit NashvilleBallet.com/Nutcracker-Tea for more information or email Jack French, Events Manager, at jfrench@nashvilleballet.com.
Tickets are also on sale to experience Paul Vasterling’s Nashville’s Nutcracker at Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Jackson Hall from Dec. 6 - Dec. 26. Performances will include Nashville Ballet company dancers, Nashville Ballet’s Second Company NB2, a cast of youth students from School of Nashville Ballet and select community partners.
ABOUT THE EVENT CHAIRS:
Leigh Adams is a development executive with over a decade of experience in fundraising, donor relations and event management. She currently works at Montgomery Bell Academy as the Director of the MBA Fund where she recently returned in July 2024 after serving as the Director of Alumni & Development at The Webb School in Bell Buckle, TN. During Leigh’s first tenure at MBA she was the Director of Alumni Relations from 2016 – 2023. Prior to MBA, she was the Events Director at Nashville Ballet managing the prestigious Ballet Ball. Originally from Norfolk, VA, Leigh graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South with an undergraduate degree in Economics. Amongst several philanthropic efforts, Leigh is an active community volunteer for Friends of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and Nashville Ballet. She was named a 2017 Top 30 Under 30 Honoree and is a graduate of Young Leaders Council Nashville. Leigh lives in Nashville with her husband, Brewer, and their two young children Riley and Ruffin and their yellow lab, Harley.
Crystal Churchwell Evans is a Nashville native that graduated from Wellesley College (Bachelor of Arts) and Vanderbilt University (Master of Business Administration). She has a career that spans non-profit institutions, technology start-ups and Fortune 500 companies. She is the Vice President of Development and Alumni Affairs at Fisk University overseeing all fundraising efforts for the institution alongside fostering connections with its alumni community. Evans’ civic and community engagement is exemplified through membership in Rotary International (Downtown Nashville) and The Links, Incorporated. She is an alumna of Nashville Emerging Leaders and was asked to serve on the evaluation panel for the Equality Can’t Wait Challenge. Most recently, Evans was on the Board of Directors for the Wellesley College Alumnae Association (Wellesley, MA). Her interests span the arts, child-focused initiatives and spending time with her husband, Victor, and two children.
Julie Galbierz is a project management professional with extensive experience in the arts and cultural sector. Most recently, she served as a senior consultant for Tessitura Network, an enterprise software company that powers arts and culture organizations. She has managed technology implementation and business optimization projects for prestigious institutions across North America, including the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Smithsonian National Zoo and the National Arts Centre in Canada. She builds upon nearly a decade of experience in fundraising and event management, having served in development for the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Chicago and Nashville Ballet. She has also trained as a dancer and performed with a local company, and her passion for dance continues to shape her involvement in the arts community. After a stint in Chicago, she is back in her native Nashville, where she resides with her husband, Andrew, and their two young children. She proudly serves on several local non-profit boards and committees supporting the arts, Jewish community and education.
ABOUT NASHVILLE BALLET:
Nashville Ballet, the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee, presents a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works by noted choreographers, including original works by Artistic Director and CEO Nick Mullikin and other guest artists.
Nashville Ballet has announced its 2024-25 season lineup that includes beloved classics like Dracula with George Balanchine’s Serenade, Nashville’s Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty, all choreographed by Artistic Director Emeritus Paul Vasterling. Season ticket holders' support helps to sustain Nashville Ballet’s artistic and educational excellence, accessible arts education to children and adults throughout the Nashville area and beyond, contributing to the city’s vibrant arts and cultural landscape. Season tickets and packages, including select performances, and single show tickets are now available through NashvilleBallet.com or by calling 615-297-2966 ext. 710.
Nashville Ballet and the second company, NB2, provide more than 55,000 arts experiences to adults and children annually through virtual and in-person season performances and Community Engagement programming. Nashville Ballet’s curriculum-based Community Engagement and Education Programs bring dance education to over 12,000 students in over 25 schools across 21 council districts in Middle Tennessee. School of Nashville Ballet provides exceptional dance training to students ages two and up.
Nashville Ballet receives public funding from Metro Arts, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Contributions from local, regional, and national institutional funders, community partners, and hundreds of generous individuals provide ongoing support for Nashville Ballet’s mission-critical programs.
To learn more about Nashville Ballet, please visit NashvilleBallet.com.
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