One of our most beloved performances, The Nutcracker: Sensory-Friendly, is designed for families of all kinds, especially those with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other social, learning, or cognitive differences. This thoughtfully tailored performance offers a calmer, more inclusive experience with recorded music instead of a live orchestra, and removes loud sounds and startling effects. To enrich the experience, we provide a sensory-friendly video guide and educational materials, ensuring that every family can enjoy the magic of The Nutcracker in a welcoming and supportive environment.

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The Nutcracker: Sensory Friendly

Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center

After a record-breaking run in 2024, Brandon Ragland’s The Nutcracker returns, bringing holiday magic back to Dayton! Set in our very own city, this beloved tale follows Clara on a breathtaking, time-traveling adventure filled with dazzling choreography, enchanting sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. A heartwarming tradition for all ages, The Nutcracker is the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and loved ones.

The Nutcracker

Inspiring modern works such as Black Swan and Corpse Bride, Giselle begins as a sweet, romantic story but transforms into something ghostly and supernatural by the end. It’s a ballet about love, betrayal, madness, and forgiveness—where a young woman dies of a broken heart, yet her spirit returns to save the man who deceived her.

Giselle

Victoria Theatre Dayton

Enjoy a night of classical and contemporary ballet and witness the astounding talent of Dayton Ballet’s dancers. Pointes of View showcases choreography from one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th Century, George Balanchine, to up-and-coming choreographers making their mark in today’s ever-evolving ballet stages.

Pointes of View

Victoria Theatre

Have a royal ball at this classic retelling of Cinderella, choreographed by Artistic Director Brandon Ragland to Prokofiev’s sparkling score. Cinderella yearns to escape from her life as a scullery maid to her mean and jealous stepsisters. Enter her Fairy Godmother, a handsome prince, a little help and a lot of magic, and Cinderella gets a glimpse of living happily ever after!

Cinderella

One of DPAA’s favorite performances, The Nutcracker: Sensory-Friendly, is great for all families, but especially those with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other social, learning, or cognitive atypicality. This special performance features recorded music rather than a live orchestra and omits loud sounds and jarring effects. A sensory-friendly video guide and other educational materials are available to enhance the experience.

Don’t miss the world premiere of the much-anticipated new production of Dayton’s most beloved Holiday tradition, The Nutcracker! From the creative minds of Artistic Director and choreographer Brandon Ragland, costume designer Lyn Baudendistel, and scenic designer Ray Zupp, the timeless story of Clara’s magical Christmastime journey returns to the stage, set to Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous score performed live by the Dayton Philharmonic.

Described as “visually stunning” and “magnificent,” Robert Curran’s Coppélia reimagines a classic ballet. Set in a small Midwestern town, Coppélia tells the tale of a lifelike doll in a windowfront. Mistaken by the townspeople as a young, mysterious woman, she provides an escape for a community preoccupied with the realities of war. With beautiful choreography and comical toy characters, Coppélia is the perfect way to start the Ballet season!

Coppélia

New Beginnings offers a glimpse of the exciting new era that lies before the Dayton Ballet. The Ballet’s new Artistic Director will handpick the repertoire for this performance, sharing a sampling of their vision for the next generation of the historic company.

New Beginnings

An unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages, The Sleeping Beauty unfolds like a beautiful dream—where good triumphs over evil, love breaks a curse, and music and dancing transport you to a world of fantasy. You’ve seen the movie, but the ballet is an immersive experience for the senses boasting lush scenery, gorgeous recognizable music, and dazzling dancing.

The Sleeping Beauty

Dayton’s two prominent professional dance companies— Dayton Ballet and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) —join forces with local musicians in a collaborative night of newly commissioned works and original compositions that amplify and celebrate our city’s rich artistic history. In a testament to how much stronger we are together, Dayton Ballet and DCDC illustrate the power of unity across genres and showcase Dayton’s lasting impact on dance and funk music.

Brandon Ragland

Events

Upcoming events

20 - 22 Feb, 2026

The Sleeping Beauty · Dayton Performing Arts

10 - 12 Apr, 2026

Dayton Ballet & DCDC Present: Rhythm of the City · Dayton Performing Arts

Past events

Dec 17, 2025

The Nutcracker: Sensory Friendly · Dayton Performing Arts

13 - 22 Dec, 2025

The Nutcracker · Dayton Performing Arts

About

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