By Foresee Foundation
National Institute of Arts (NIA) is putting the spotlight on their own urgent needs this Holiday season with the revival of The Nutcracker – a show that has captured hearts for generations. For years, NIA has been a beacon for St. Maarten’s arts community, offering impactful programs for youth and often donating the proceeds from their performances to support other non-profits. This year, however, the organization is calling on the community to help them sustain their own vital programs that serve St. Maarten’s young people.
The Nutcracker will be performed over three days at the Philipsburg Cultural Centre on Back Street:
Today, Friday, December 20, at 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 21, at 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Sunday, December 22, at 3:00 PM
This show promises to enchant audiences while raising vital funds to keep NIA’s programs alive.
A Holiday tradition revived
Directed by Arlene Halley Newhouse, this year’s production is a condensed version of the classic ballet, with narration to guide the audience through Act 1. The performance will feature a cast of 30 dancers, including 12 children and 18 teens and adults, only four of whom have performed in The Nutcracker before. “This production goes beyond just dance,” says Halley Newhouse. “It’s about bonding, teamwork, and creating lifelong memories for our performers while sharing the magic of the arts with the community.”
The Nutcracker has a rich history on St. Maarten, first performed in 1988 by the Regina Ballet. It later grew under Motiance Dance School and has become a symbol of the island’s artistic resilience. Past performances raised funds for the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation. After a 12-year hiatus, the show returns to the stage, and this time, the focus is on ensuring that NIA’s programs can continue to benefit the island’s youth.
Supporting NIA’s youth programs
NIA’s Total Theater Program uses a multidisciplinary approach to teach essential social skills, while the Princess Program offers free ballet classes to first-time ballerinas. Both programs have become pillars of support for many young people on the island, fostering creativity, confidence, and discipline.
“In the past, we’ve used our performances to support other causes,” explains Halley Newhouse. “This year, we’re asking the community to support us so we can keep offering these transformative programs to our youth.” Attending this year’s performances of The Nutcracker is about more than enjoying a world-class ballet; it’s about preserving the arts and investing in St. Maarten’s future. As NIA’s treasured costumes make their return to the stage, possibly for the last time, the community has the chance to witness a historic performance and play a vital role in sustaining the arts.
Tickets are available and seating is limited. Let’s come together to ensure that programs like Total Theater and the Princess Program continue to inspire and empower the youth of St. Maarten.
