CCM Dance presents 'Just Desserts: Selections from The Nutcracker and Faculty Works' Nov. 20-22

Dive into the holiday spirit with "Just Desserts: Selections from The Nutcracker and Faculty Works" on Nov, 20-22, 2025 in CCM's Corbett Auditorium. Presented as part of the CCM Dance performance series, tickets for the production are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

"Just Desserts" is a two-act production that brings together re-imaginings and timeless holiday traditions, directed by CCM Dance Chair and Professor Shauna Steele and CCM Dance Professor Dierdre Carberry. The first act features original works by CCM Dance faculty members: "Respighi Transitions" choreographed by Thomas Bell and "every leaf speak bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree" choreographed by Shauna Steele. 

The first act comes to a dazzling conclusion with The Nutcracker's "Waltz of the Snowflakes" choreographed by new CCM Dance Professor Hee Ra Yoo. After a brief intermission, the production resumes with Act II of The Nutcracker ballet, restaged with choreography by Deirdre Carberry. 

"Just Desserts" offers a festive twist on The Nutcracker that celebrates both imagination and school spirit. Under the artistic vision outlined by Shauna Steele, this marks a two-year plan towards creating a full Nutcracker ballet. The project reimagines the beloved holiday classic with new choreography, design and style —complete with a Bearcat flair and a playful nod to tradition. In "Just Desserts" the Nutcracker story begins on Christmas Eve, where the Nutcracker Prince takes a curious young girl, Clara, on a wondrous journey to the Land of Sweets. The Sugar Plum Fairy welcomes them to a grand celebration filled with cakes, candies and colorful dances performed by delightful characters of the realm.

• 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20
• 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21
• 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22*
• 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22*

*Please note: There is a UC Bearcats Football game scheduled at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22 at UC’s Nippert Stadium. FOX Sports will also be on campus for its national pregame show Big Noon Kickoff, which will begin at 10 a.m. Traffic in and around campus will be heavier than normal. We advise patrons to purchase parking in advance through the CCM Box Office (available at check out).

Tickets: $36 adult, $20 student, $15 UC faculty/staff, $10 UC student, $5 CCM student; group discounts available.

Experiencing the magic of CCM OnStage has never been easier! Purchase your tickets:

• Online at ccmonstage.universitytickets.com
• Over the phone at 513-556-4183
• In person at the CCM Box Office in the Atrium of UC's Corbett Center for the Performing Arts

CCM’s Box Office hours are Tue-Fri from 1-5 p.m. and one hour prior to curtain for ticketed performances. Hours subject to change based on the University of Cincinnati calendar. Our Box Office staff is always ready to answer your questions by phone at 513-556-4183 or email at boxoff@uc.edu. 

CCM is located on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. For detailed driving directions, visit ccm.uc.edu/directions.

Parking is available in UC's CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Effective July 1, 2023, all University of Cincinnati Parking Services locations are cashless. Pay for parking securely with your credit/debit card. All major credit cards accepted.

CCM OnStage patrons can add pre-paid parking to their checkout carts when purchasing tickets. Pre-paid parking is date/performance specific. CCM Garage parking rates for a performance or special event is usually available for $10-15. Learn more about parking at UC's CCM Garage.

For additional information on parking at UC, please visit uc.edu/about/parking.

There's more to explore — view our full performance schedule by month or visit the CCM Box Office website to buy tickets. 

Stay up to date on CCM news and events by subscribing to our Next OnStage email newsletter, which is published every other Wednesday. Visit ccm.uc.edu/subscribe to sign up for email updates.

Interested in early access to CCM's ticket sales? Join CCMpower and gain advanced access to CCM's 2026-27 performance ticket sales. CCMpower members also receive 10% off general ticket prices for the full year. Learn more about CCMpower membership benefits.

Featured image at the top: Stock promotional graphic of The Nutcracker.