The Hip Nut reimagines a beloved holiday story for a new generation—full of energy, heart, music and movement.

Meet Clara, a spirited young girl from New York City whose ordinary day before Christmas break quickly becomes an unforgettable holiday adventure. After a morning at school with her best friends, Clara encounters a group of bullies led by the fiercely jealous Dismal Diva. Later, while Christmas shopping with her family, Clara discovers a handsome Nutcracker and is instantly enchanted. But when jealousy follows her into the toy store and Clara is knocked to the ground, her world begins to transform.

Dazed and dreaming, Clara meets Mother Earth, the Queen of Dreams, who helps her find the courage to rise above fear, stand strong in the face of adversity, and discover that kindness can be more powerful than cruelty. With Mother Earth’s guidance, Clara and her Nutcracker Prince overcome the forces working against them, and Act I ends with Clara and her Prince together at last.

But their adventure is only beginning.

In Act II, Clara and her Nutcracker Prince set off on an exciting journey around the world, discovering how people everywhere express joy, tradition, celebration, and community through dance. From the vibrant rhythms of the salsa to a Parisian character pas de deus to the music of the good ole USA, each destination introduces Clara to a new culture, a new rhythm, and a new way of moving.

As Clara experiences the beauty of the world around her, she begins to understand that our differences are not what divide us, they are what make our world extraordinary. Every culture has a story. Every rhythm has a voice. Every person brings something valuable to the world.

Through an electrifying fusion of hip-hop, contemporary dance, cultural influences and holiday magic, The Hip Nut celebrates friendship, courage, diversity, compassion and the strength we find when we come together.

Clara’s journey reminds us that there is an entire world beyond what we know and when we are willing to experience it with open hearts, we discover just how much we have to learn from one another. Different places. Different people. Different rhythms. One world. Because in the end, we are stronger together, brighter together and better together if we love one another.