The Nashville Ballet Launches a Nutcracker-Themed Tea Party

Entering The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University was a treat. A magical scene entranced adorable children and their grown-ups. The first Nashville’s Nutcracker Tea, hosted by the Nashville Ballet, was underway. The event — which sold out almost immediately — brought together young ballet enthusiasts with dancers from the beloved holiday show.

Nutcracker Tea was held at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Co-chairs for the new event were Caylan Jarman, Allison Cotton and Catherine Grace. Hosts adorned the spacious room with delightful tablescapes — Christmas trees sculpted from balloons, miniature toy soldiers and stacks of boxes dressed up as gifts. They also filled the space with delightful and engaging moments for children to enjoy. At center stage, ballerinas from the Nashville Ballet posed for photos with children. Young guests enjoyed hair tinsel and face painting, and many children began to model sculpted balloon hats. One particularly popular station offered young ballerinas the chance to decorate and bedazzle a pointe shoe to take home.

Once revelers had enjoyed all the activities, grown-ups led little ones to a beautiful buffet filled with finger sandwiches, tiny grilled cheeses, macarons, cookies and tea. The goodies offered the perfect repast before the Nashville Ballet presented yet another delightful component to the afternoon —  shortened, interactive Nashville’s Nutcracker performances. The shows enthralled young guests, as Clara and her cast of friends danced across the stage in bite-size segments of the full ballet. The inspirational afternoon was an ideal introduction to the ballet for young and old alike.

 

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Laurie Eskind started the Nutcracker Tea at The Hermitage Hotel. This is incorrect. Nashville’s Nutcracker Tea was a new event, started by co-chairs Allison Cotton, Catherine Grace and Caylan Jarman. We apologize for the error.