Support the Magic of The Nutcracker

Dear Friends of Minnesota Ballet Theatre,

As we celebrate Give to the Max Day 2025, we want to thank you for your ongoing support. Ballet is an art form that inspires, unites, and brings beauty to our community. At Minnesota Ballet Theatre & School, we believe in the transformative power of ballet and are committed to making it accessible to all.

For over 25 years, we, Svetlana Bak-Gavrilova and Kirill Bak-Stepanoff, graduates of the prestigious Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, have shared our love of ballet with Minnesota. From founding Minnesota Ballet School in 2001 to establishing Minnesota Ballet Theatre as a 501(c)(3) in 2014, our mission has been to create world-class ballet experiences right here in the Twin Cities.

Our productions, from the timeless Nutcracker to Peter and the Wolf, The Great Halloween Adventure, and Carnival of the Animals, delight audiences of all ages. We nurture the next generation of dancers and ensure ballet remains a vital and transformative force in our community.

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Why Your Support Matters

Every donation, large or small, makes a difference. Your generosity allows us to:

• Sustain Local Artistic Excellence: Train and nurture talent here in Minnesota, following Russian ballet traditions.

• Bring World-Class Guest Artists: Our guest stars dedicate countless hours to bring this holiday classic to life. Your donation supports their artistry, ensuring fair compensation for their talent and effort.

• Create Stunning Productions: From costumes to sets, your support allows us to craft immersive, high-quality performances. 

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How Your Support Helps: Budget Overview

Artist Fees: $13,000 Payment for professional guest artists performing alongside students

Travel: $3,000 Flights for guest artists from other cities or countries

Accommodation & Meals: $6,500 Hotels and meals during rehearsals and performances

Total Goal: $22,500+

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Donor Gifts / Incentives

We want to thank you for your generosity with exclusive gifts:

Bronze

$75

Personalized digital thank-you card from Minnesota Ballet Theatre

Silver

$150

+ Limited edition Nutcracker poster signed by a guest artist

Gold

$300

+ Backstage tour and meet the dancers during rehearsal — Thursday,  December 11, 7:30–8:00pm

Platinum

$500+

+ All of the above and your name listed in the Nutcracker program as a supporter

Optional personalization: Include the name or role of a dancer you’d like to honor in your donation notes — your gift directly supports their artistry.

ALIAKSANDRA KRUKAVA (Sugar Plum Fairy)

Aliaksandra, Minsk Ballet Academy graduate and former Principal with Minsk State Theatre and Russian National Ballet, has danced leading roles in Swan Lake, Don Quixote, and The Sleeping Beauty. Renowned for her elegance, precision, and expressive artistry.

NURLAN KINERBAYEV (Sugar Plum Cavalier)

Nurlan, born in Taraz, Kazakhstan, is a graduate of Almaty Choreographic College and University Bolashak. He has danced lead roles with Moscow City Ballet and Russian National Ballet, known for his strength, precision, and expressive artistry.

TEVFIK BAYRAM VATANSEVER (Snow Princes Cavalier)

Tevfik, trained at Royal Danish Ballet, Deutsche Oper Berlin, and Istanbul State Opera, has danced principal roles with U.S. companies and is a YAGP Atlanta Silver Medalist, blending classical precision with contemporary artistry.

CHRISTINA GRACE DUFFY (Snow Princess)

Christina, a professional dancer and guest artist, has performed lead roles including Sugar Plum Fairy, Aurora, and Nikiya with U.S. companies. A multi-award-winning performer, she is known for her expressive artistry and classical strength.

ANDREW LESTER (Herr Drosselmeyer)

Based in St. Paul, Andrew is a celebrated Twin Cities dancer with nearly 20 years of experience. A former James Sewell Ballet member and Sage Award winner, he captivates audiences with creativity, depth, and theatrical flair.

ALESSANDRA CARTER (Porceline Doll, Arabian Solo, Snow/Flowers Solo)

Born in Houston, Texas, Alessandra Carter trained at the Vitacca School, Joffrey Academy, and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School. She performed with Richmond Ballet Studio Company and in freelance productions, and has attended summer intensives at Dutch National Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and Boston Ballet School.

ANDREW MCGEE   (Nutcracker Prince)

Trained at Greenville Civic Ballet, The Rock School, and UNC School of the Arts, Andrew performs classical and contemporary works, including The Nutcracker and Firebird.

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Your Gift Creates Lasting Impact

Your support ensures:

• High-quality ballet performances in Minnesota

• Opportunities for local dancers to learn from world-class guest artists

• A magical holiday tradition for Twin Cities families

Thank you for being part of our journey and believing in the power of ballet!

Warmest regards, Minnesota Ballet Theatre