Inside Brown Ballet Company’s Third Annual Nutcracker Revival

The Nutcracker may be a timeless tradition, but at Brown University it’s also a vibrant example of what happens when student artists unite with purpose. This year’s production feels especially electric, and student leader Lila Quinn is helping guide that momentum.

Last season brought together more than 80 performers across dance, music, and tech. This year builds on that foundation with even greater collaboration. Quinn shares the excitement with a smile you can almost hear. “This year, we're collaborating with a 51 member, student run pit orchestra led by our live conductor, T. Gotsch '26.” 

The company is also working with Brown Lion Dance, Molì Dance Company, and the DAEBAK Kpop Dance Association, which brings a dynamic mix of styles into one shared stage experience. The result is a community driven Nutcracker that respects the classic while giving it new life.

For Quinn, the production carries a personal sense of nostalgia. “I personally grew up with The Nutcracker, and the music has always had a special place in my heart,” she says. Her mother danced too, so pieces like Waltz of the Flowers became part of her family’s holiday soundtrack. Returning to this ballet as a leader feels both grounding and surreal. “It’s a reminder of how far we've come, from shuffling onstage as wide eyed child angels to helping run and lead an entire production.”

Rehearsals move at a steady speed, but the pace has shaped a strong rhythm. Quinn balances company classes, three weekly rehearsals for the roles she performs, and executive board meetings that keep the production steady. She credits the student directors for keeping everything organized so the dancers can focus on the work. “Our directors do an incredible job managing the scheduling and logistics, which allows the rest of us to show up and do what we love: dance!”

With a larger orchestra and deeper cross group partnerships, this year’s Nutcracker aims to deliver bigger sound, sharper storytelling, and the same heart audiences loved last season. As Quinn puts it, “We hope you walk away feeling inspired by this joy and dedication each student brings to this production.” The Brown Ballet Company's third annual Nutcracker production will run December 5-7, and the show is open to all. Tickets are available for purchase online.