student matinees
Dear Educator,
Northern Plains Dance is thrilled to invite you and your students to a dazzling student matinee performance of The Nutcracker at the historic Belle Mehus Auditorium on Friday, December 11, 2026. This enchanting holiday tradition is designed to captivate imaginations—perfect for both the young and the young at heart.
Our Student Matinees are more than just a show—they’re a chance to spark a lifelong love of the arts. Students will enjoy highlights from Northern Plains Dance’s full-scale production, plus an interactive conversation with Artistic Director Hollis Mackintosh Heid. Together, we’ll explore the story and history of The Nutcracker, learn fun dance vocabulary, discover the “do’s and don’ts” of theater etiquette, and even enjoy a chance to interact with the dancers on stage.
It’s a unique way to experience the wonder of live ballet while showing how dance can bring stories, feelings, and big ideas to life.
Seating fills quickly, so be sure to reserve your group’s spot early. Use the code STUDENTMATINEE to access tickets.
Wondering about the logistics? Check out the FAQs below.
“I just wanted to tell you how much my class and I loved The Nutcracker! The information you sent ahead of time was very helpful and my students knew everything to watch for in the production. We all want to see the entire show. We were very impressed!”
STUDENT MATINEES
Join us at the beautiful, historic Belle Mehus Auditorium for Student Matinees of The Nutcracker . Your students will experience live dance in a theater setting and even get a chance to join us on stage during the discussion.
Groups outside of Bismarck Public Schools are invited to attend the Student Matinees. Student tickets are $4.00 each. Use the code STUDENTMATINEE to access tickets via this link.
Space is very limited, so be sure to reserve your spots early.
Students – suggested age 6 and older, this performance is open to GROUPS of students only at a rate of $4 per student.
Chaperones – Each group is required to provide one chaperone per ten students. This means a group of 1-10 students must have one chaperone, a group of 11-20 must have two, and so on. These required chaperones attend free of charge. Any additional chaperones you choose to bring over the required number will be admitted at a rate of $8 per person. To inquire if space is available for additional chaperones, call NPD for availability.
Once registered, the confirmation email will contain a link to our online materials for students and teachers to use before and after the performance. We also invite you to take advantage of an in-person Classroom Presentation when an NPD Staff Member will come to you and give some insight about the ballet to your students.
CLASSROOM PRESENTATIONS
NPD’s 30-minute Classroom Presentation is designed for 2nd graders to provide a deeper look into the art of dance—right in your classroom. Students explore ballet through video excerpts, simple movement activities, real pointe shoes and costumes from past productions, and a Q&A session where their questions are answered.
This interactive program fits easily into the school day while building understanding of dance, performance, and creative expression.
Content
The presentation will help students learn more about dance and ballet dancers, including the following topics:
- The History of Ballet
- Dancers as Artists & Athletes
- Dance Shoes
- Ballet Costumes
- The History, Music & Story of The Nutcracker
Details:
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Presentations will be given in the weeks prior to The Nutcracker Student Matinees.
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The school must provide a 30-minute time period for each presentation – this will allow the NPD staff member to complete the presentation and have time to answer questions.
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Equipment schools should provide for the Docent presentation on school campuses:
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A dedicated space for the presentation that minimizes outside distractions and noise
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A projector or large display for the presentation
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Speakers for the computer that will allow all students in the room to hear the audio portions of the presentation
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If speaking in a space larger than a classroom, a microphone may also be needed.
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Cost – For schools outside of the Bismarck Public School system, payment of $1.50 per student is required.
Travel– The cost of travel is included in the above price for school within a 15 mile radius of NPD’s studios in downtown Bismarck. School located between 15-35 miles away from the studios will be assessed an additional mileage fee. *Travel further than 35 miles will be considered based on scheduling, contact NPD for more information. 701.530.0986
frequently asked questions
Who can attend The Nutcracker Student Matinees?
The presentation is intended for elementary school aged children.
Does every person need a ticket?
While we do not have printed tickets for this event, all in attendance must pre-register and pre-pay. You will be checked in at the door. Each group is required to have one chaperone for every 10 students.
How do we get to the theater?
The Belle Mehus Auditorium is located at 201 N 6th St in downtown Bismarck, on the corner of 6th and Broadway. There is a designated area for buses to drop off students on Broadway. Buses are able to park at the Bismarck Event Center during the performances.
How soon do we need to reserve tickets?
The Nutcracker Student Matinees are very popular and sell out quickly. It is a good idea to reserve your space as soon as you know you would like to attend.
Can we choose our seats?
Seats are assigned according to the number of school groups attending each presentation. While you cannot specify a section, please let us know if you have any special needs, such as wheelchair access.
How do I pay?
Tickets can be ordered online with a credit card. If your school needs to pay via check, please call NPD to complete your order prior to attempting to reserve your seats.
How long does the presentation run?
The Student Matinees are about an hour long, including the performance and discussion. Allow extra time for travel/parking.
Can we take photos?
Absolutely no photography or videography of any kind are permitted at Northern Plains Dance productions.