Nutcracker 2025 Program

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MAGIC…

High Point Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns for its 38th season at the High Point Theatre.

With a sprinkle of Drosselmeyer’s magic, Clara’s holiday dream awakens! Swirling toy soldiers, sword-fighting rats, and the glittering Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy bring this beloved holiday tradition to life.

Swirling with heroic toy soldiers, sword-fighting mice, and the glittering Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, the classic ballet is beautifully presented through the choreography of award-winning Artistic Director Gary Taylor, award-winning set designer Howard Jones, and lighting by award-winning designer Craig Stelzenmueller.

Evening Performances: Friday, December 19, 7:30pm and Saturday, December 20, 7:30pm

Land of the Sweets: Saturday, December 20, 2:00pm

Matinee: Sunday, December 21, 2:00pm

FULL FEATURE

LAND OF THE SWEETS

MEET CLARA – REESE ANDERSON

Reese Anderson in the role of Clara in THE NUTCRACKER

“Dancing the role of Clara is something I’ve looked forward to ever since I watched my sister perform it. The role is extra special to me because the story of The Nutcracker is told through Clara’s eyes and ears—she’s the one who leads the audience through the magic of the Land of Sweets”

— Reese

CAST

Ella Jane Adams, Scott Adams, Aaron Anderson, Harlow Anderson, Reese Anderson, Van Beyer, Giulia Cappai, Wes Cashwell, Kaylee Castelloe, Lauren Castelloe, Paisley Coble, Aviela Cranford, Eva Ermis, Isla Haughey, Jackson Hill, Katherine Hoke, Jeremy Huggins, Wheatley Kepley, Sienna Kidd, Ashley Knight, Samantha Knight, Yixuan Li, Arielle Lord, Robert Mays, Rylan Mahala, Ailish O’Brien, Mara O’Brien, Vincenzo Rinaggio, Hope Scanlan, Sebastian Schnaith-Ivan, Trinity Sheets, Archer Smith, Reagan Steele, Katherine Thomas, Yumi Varricchio, Jordan Winslow

MEET THE NUTCRACKER STAFF

*Rita Taylor, Founder & Executive Director*

*Gary Taylor, Founder & Artistic Director & Resident Choreographer*

FACULTY/STAFF
Taylor Key, PK Dance and Level 6
Ryan Taylor, Ensemble Dance
Assistants: Ella Jane Adams, Paisley Coble, and Wheatley Kepley

STAFF
Lynnae Benton, Carol Johnson

TECHNICAL
Latrice Lovett, Lighting
Kim Fielder-Jones, Stage Manager & Sound
Brooks Mays, Jr., Technical

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT – Vincenzo, “Vinny” Rinaggio

*Vincenzo Rinaggio as Tea in THE NUTCRACKER*

Vincenzo “Vinny” Rinaggio has trained under Artistic Director Gary Taylor for 14 years, growing from dancing the Nutcracker Prince to now performing the role of the Cavalier.

“I dance because I love it,” Rinaggio shared. “Dancing is a way for me to express emotion, and it has become my passion over time.”

–Vincenzo

Each season has brought new roles and new artistic challenges, reflecting not only his growth as a dancer but the personal meaning the production holds for him.

THANK YOU

High Point Ballet is grateful for the continued support of

High Point Ballet is pleased to partner with

to bring you the 38th Season of THE NUTCRACKER

Under the direction of award-winning choreographer Gary Taylor, the production continues to evolve while honoring the classical tradition of the ballet. Taylor’s choreography blends technical precision with expressive storytelling, bringing nuance to familiar scenes and allowing dancers to grow into their roles year after year. The result is a production that feels both timeless and deeply connected to the community that supports and celebrates it.

Nutcracker Images by Gary Taylor
Magic framed by light. Driven by movement.

At his core, Gary Taylor is an artist. Originally a portrait artist, he began photographing dancers to better understand form, light, and the human body in motion—a practice that quickly became a passion. With more than 25 years as an Artistic Director, he has developed a keen eye for timing, breath, and theatrical lighting, allowing him to capture the fleeting moments where movement and storytelling align. This sensibility is especially evident in The Nutcracker, where tradition, scale, and holiday magic live for only an instant onstage.