2026 Winter Showcase: THE NUTCRACKER
Thank you for participating in our 2026 Winter Showcase! This year we are very excited to present DEAC’s adaptation of The Nutcracker. These showcases are casual events structured to give our dancers additional performance experience & highlight what they are learning in class.
Attachment: Nutcracker Costume Chart.pdf
Attachment: 2026 Winter Showcase Information.pdf
There will be two Performances at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center on
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19th AND Matinee show at 1:00 PM, Evening show at 4:30 PM
There will be a dress rehearsal for main characters & Levels 3-6 on Friday, December 18th.
*Times are subject to change*
The DEAC Creative Team have equally divided classes among the two performances while taking both siblings in various classes and audience size into consideration. If you have any questions, please email at [email protected]
Classes Selected to Perform in BOTH SHOWS are:
Jazz 6
Ballet 4-6
Tap 5+6
Contemporary 5
Jazz 4
Ballet 3
Tap 3
Hip Hop 3
Ballet 2
Hip Hop 1+2
Teen Contemporary
Classes in SHOW 1 ONLY:
Ballet 1B
Level 1A Combo Thursday (O)
Level 1A Combo Wednesday
Pre Dance Tuesday 4:30 PM
Intro to Dance Tuesday
Classes in SHOW 2 ONLY:
Level 1A Combo Thursday (A)
Pre Dance Tuesday 6:20 PM
Intro to Dance Thursday
Costumes for The Nutcracker are a “Do-It-Yourself” Concept.
Please review the Winter Showcase Costume Chart PDF that is attached to the top of this email. All students need a black leotard as a base regardless of what class they are in. If in the description it reads, “DEAC Provides” it means that the studio will be providing those specific items to that class the day of the show. All other needed items are the responsibility of the family.
THINGS TO REMEMBER:
- Please do not buy anything if you do not need to. The base for all costumes is a black leotard & tights with the exception of hip hop classes. Leotard and tights are an absolute necessity under costumes & dresses.
- Skirts, tanks, hair accessories and other items provided by DEAC are the property of DEAC that will be handed out and collected at the performance.
- Absolutely no food or drinks (bottled water only) or gum/candies are allowed in the costume or in dressing room areas. Please remember to feed your dancer before arrival time.
- Write last names & put in every piece of costuming & shoes to help prevent mix-ups. It is required that dancers arrive dressed in their first costume, makeup applied & hair complete.
- Fix all dancers hair & makeup before coming to the studios.
- Hair for the Show:
- Intro to Dance: Hair ½ up, clean & polished with no bangs.
- Pre-Dance, Level 1A & ALL HIP HOP CLASSES: Low ponytail, center part
- ALL OTHER CLASSES: Low bun, center part
- Use only plain barrettes, bobby pins, & hairspray heavily. NO BANGS please! We want to see those beautiful faces.
- Apply light makeup at home. Bright dark pink lipstick on everyone. Eye shadows should be in natural tones (pinks, browns or lavenders- no blue or green shadow) worn with mascara. A rose or peach color blush on the cheekbones must be worn as well.
- No jewelry of any kind. Please do not even wear or bring on show day.
- Dancers-please leave electronic devices & cell phones at home. We will not be responsible for lost items.
- Clear nail polish only (French manicures & nude polish is acceptable).
- No panties!!! They hang out & show under tights & costumes.
- ONLY BACKSTAGE HELPERS WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE BACKSTAGE/DRESSING AREAS.
- All dancers MUST stay for the duration of the performance. If your dancer needs to be excused early for dire circumstances, a letter must be given to the front desk at least 10 days prior to showcases. We will not permit children to leave the dressing area during the showcase or leave with people we do not know. This is for the security of your child & the insurance of a smooth show.
- In case of an emergency, please see a member of the DEAC Staff for assistance.
EVENT TICKET SALES
Tickets for this event will go on sale at Tuesday, December 1st at 4:00 PM and continue through Thursday, December 17th at 8:00pm. You must purchase advanced tickets in person at the front desk. Seating for this event will be first come, first serve at the door entrance.
Our June productions will have assigned seating.
Tickets for the event are $16 each & $19 if purchased at the door. Children under 2 that are seated on the lap do not require a ticket. Tickets will only be sold to dance families whose accounts are paid & current. Any occupied seat will require a ticket.
Argentine Productions will be on site for professional videography of the performances.
Digital Download of the show is $23.50.
If you would like a high-quality, professional digital download, log on to the Parent Portal and sign up under “Events” tab.