Jazz Meets Ballet: "The Duke Ellington Nutcracker" Debuts in Austin

On December 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM, Austin's Brazos Hall will host "The Duke Ellington Nutcracker: A Jazz Ballet Benefit Performance," a unique fusion of jazz and ballet presented by ATX Artists for Social Impact and Sofar Sounds. (atxartists.org)

This one-night-only event marks the debut performances of the Capital Contemporary Ballet and the ATX Jazz Orchestra. The production features original choreography by Caitlin Elledge and musical direction by Joshua Alderete, reimagining Tchaikovsky's classic "Nutcracker" through the jazz interpretations of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Music students from Huston-Tillotson University's jazz program will also participate, aligning with the event's mission to support local artists and promote social impact through the arts. (atxartists.org)

ATX Artists for Social Impact is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring community and compassion through creative expression. Their mission is to strengthen communities and inspire compassion through creative expression. (atxartists.org) Capital Contemporary Ballet, the resident professional dance company of ATX Artists for Social Impact, focuses on innovative and emotionally resonant ballet works. The ATX Jazz Orchestra, also a resident company, unites professional and student jazz musicians through mentorship and performance opportunities. (atxartists.org)

Huston-Tillotson University, a historically Black university in Austin, has a strong jazz program. The participation of its students in this performance aligns with the event's mission to support local artists and promote social impact through the arts. (htufinearts.com)

Executive Director Paolo Dumancas emphasized the group's mission to improve artist pay and working conditions amidst Austin’s rising housing costs, which have displaced many musicians. The nonprofit aims to make this reimagined Nutcracker an annual tradition and expand its offerings with continued fundraising. (axios.com)

Tickets for the performance are currently on sale, with net proceeds benefiting ATX Artists for Social Impact and Casa Marianella, supporting creative opportunity and community care in Austin. (givebutter.com)

This performance represents a significant cultural event in Austin, blending jazz and ballet to create a unique artistic experience. By involving students from Huston-Tillotson University, the event promotes mentorship and provides emerging artists with valuable performance opportunities. The collaboration between established professionals and students underscores the importance of community engagement and support for the arts.

Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn's jazz interpretation of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite" was first recorded in 1960, offering a fresh and innovative take on the classic ballet. This performance continues that tradition by reimagining the work through a contemporary lens, incorporating modern choreography and diverse musical influences.

As Austin continues to grow and evolve, events like "The Duke Ellington Nutcracker" highlight the city's commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive arts community. By supporting local artists and providing platforms for creative expression, organizations like ATX Artists for Social Impact play a crucial role in enriching the cultural landscape of the city.