Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre Celebrates 35th Annual Nutcracker This Weekend

A promotional poster for Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker. The design features a ballerina in a white tutu posed gracefully on pointe against a soft blue background with a gold glitter swirl. The text reads “Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre proudly presents... The Nutcracker” followed by show dates and times: Friday, Dec 5th at 7 PM; Saturday, Dec 6th at 11 AM and 7 PM; Sunday, Dec 7th at 2 PM. Location: WIHI auditorium. Logos of supporting organizations appear at the bottom, along with a link to purchase tickets at esbt.org/tickets.

Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre (ESBT) is proud to announce its 35th Annual production of The Nutcracker, taking place this weekend, December 5, 6, and 7 at the WIHI Auditorium in Salisbury.

For more than three decades, ESBT’s Nutcracker has been a cherished holiday tradition for the Delmarva community. Since the company’s founding season in 1991, generations of families have gathered to experience the timeless magic of Tchaikovsky’s score and the enchanting story brought to life on stage.

This year’s production is staged under the direction of Artistic Director Elena Manakhova, a graduate of the world-renowned Vaganova Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia. The cast features talented dancers from studios across Delmarva, joined by distinguished guest artists:

Darion Smith as the Snow Prince, Raymond Fernandez as the Cavalier, and Kaileah Long as the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Tickets are available now at ESBT.org and through ESBT’s social media channels on Instagram and Facebook. Prices are $15 for standard seating and $20 for premium seating.

Looking ahead, ESBT is excited to announce its spring production in May 2026: The Little Mermaid, a brand-new ballet debut that promises to captivate audiences with its imaginative storytelling and artistry.

About Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre

Founded in 1991, Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the Delmarva Peninsula through classical ballet productions and educational outreach. ESBT provides opportunities for local dancers to perform alongside professional artists, fostering both community engagement and artistic excellence.