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Urban Nutcracker takes a Christmas tradition and makes it all about the Bayou City.

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Embracing the festive spirit of the holiday season, a nonprofit is breathing new life into a cherished tradition for its fifth year. Houston’s Urban Nutcracker is not just a rendition of the classic Nutcracker tale, but a joyous celebration of Houston’s diverse cultural mosaic.

A brainchild of Traci Greene, president and founder of Culture Arts Initiative, a Houston-based performing arts organization, the Urban Nutcracker ballet tells the story of Clare, a spirited young Houstonian with dreams of leaving the city. The narrative unfolds in the 1940s, with Clare’s journey weaving through the distinct neighborhoods that make up Houston. She is accompanied by her Nutcracker Prince as they traverse the diverse neighborhoods of the city, each one offering a unique lesson and cultural revelation

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The ballet follows a young Houstonian who learns about her city.

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Clare’s adventure leads her through areas like the Texas Medical Center, the Gandhi District, Chinatown, Montrose, and many more. Performances from local dance troupes integral to the cultural makeup of the neighborhoods guide Clare on her journey, including West African dances from the Koumankele African Dance and Drum Ensemble, Chinese dragon and lion dances from Soaring Phoenix, and folkloric performances from the Compañía Folklórica Alegría Mexicana. Beyond this, the show’s cast, ranging from talents as young as six to seasoned performers in their 40s, brings a fresh energy to the stage.

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Multiple dance performances teach Clare about the diversity of Houston.

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Urban Nutcracker was created with a dual purpose: to provide a platform for talented dancers, particularly people of color and those from underrepresented communities, and to serve as a fundraiser for Culture Arts Initiative’s scholarship programs. The first show in 2018 garnered immense support, selling out its two scheduled performances within 72 hours. The overwhelming response prompted the addition of a third show, which quickly reached capacity.

“I think my intention in the beginning was just to have it for one year,” Greene says. “It has inspired everyone in different ways. There are older people who are like, ‘I didn’t even know that about Houston,’ or ‘I don’t even know where that community is.’ We wanted everyone to feel good about our city when they left and to understand how truly unique it is because you can hide in your little neighborhood and completely forget that there’s so much diversity out there to enjoy.”

Before her venture into the Urban Nutcracker, Greene had a dance career spanning many decades. A notable chapter was her involvement in the Los Angeles production of The Chocolate Nutcracker in 1998. Helmed by the renowned Debbie Allen, it served as a precursor to Allen’s later production, The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. The show featured a young Misty Copeland in a leading role, costarring with Allen herself.

“I had two principal roles: one of them was the queen cobra, which replaced the Mouse King, and the other was the Amazon princess,” Greene reminisces. “So, I had the opportunity to see what it would look like to get the community involved and to collaborate with other companies and other professionals. As a professional dancer, I got to see it for myself and how it can work.”

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Clare makes a stop at the Gandhi District in her exploration of Houston.

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This exposure, combined with her years as a dance studio owner and a dance teacher in the Houston ISD, fueled her determination to create a production that showcased the incredible talent in Houston while contributing to the cultural enrichment of the community. Drawing from her experiences in the dance world, Greene envisioned a show that transcended the traditional Nutcracker mold, offering a theatrical experience that resonated with a broader audience.

Culture Arts Initiative, the driving force behind Urban Nutcracker, marked its 10th anniversary this year. The nonprofit emerged from Greene’s desire to support young, talented dancers, particularly those facing financial barriers. The organization’s scholarship programs have enabled aspiring performers to pursue higher education in dance programs across the country.

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A portion of the proceeds from the ticket sales for Urban Nutcracker goes to scholarship funding for the Culture Arts Initiative.

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The success of Urban Nutcracker has played a pivotal role in Culture Arts Initiative’s ability to provide substantial scholarship awards. Over the years, the organization has allocated amounts reaching $90,000, which have allowed students to attend prestigious institutions like the Juilliard School, Fordham University, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, University of Texas at Austin, University of California, Texas State University, Alabama State University, and Howard University, among others.

As Urban Nutcracker prepares for its fifth-year spectacle, Greene remains amazed at the continued support from the community. Despite challenges in securing venues during the holiday season, the production has found a welcoming home at the Stafford Convention Center, with ticket sales, sponsorships, and the newly added Urban Nutcracker Market contributing to the scholarship program.

As the curtains rise on this year’s production, Houstonians and visitors alike are invited to witness the magic, diversity, and heartwarming spirit of Urban Nutcracker. It’s more than a show—it’s a celebration of Houston’s rich cultural heritage and a testament to the power of the arts to unite, inspire, and make a difference.