Press & Promotional Work

Seemingly overnight, the corner of Madison Avenue and 80th Street has garnered the attention of local residents and holiday shoppers alike thanks to a facade adorned with layers upon layers of roses and ribbon. “Where did all of this come from?” one fur-clad, Uptown-type was heard inquiring. Taking center “stage” was 11-year-old ballerina Charlotte Nebres, who earned the coveted starring role of Marie in the production, alongside her fellow performers India Bradley, who donned a voluminous tiered tutu, and her sister, Libby Nebres. “The new store is so magical, it’s almost like the Nutcracker itself,” Nebres told us following her performance, still in her pointe slippers. “The Nutcracker is so dreamy, and it’s like a dream come true in here.” 

The holiday classic “The Nutcracker" has been performed by the New York City Ballet for more than 50 years. But this year, the timeless production actually features something new. Charlotte Nebres, 11, is the first black dancer to win the coveted role of Marie, the young heroine of the story. 

And her story is just one example of the changing face of the world of classical dance.  Nebres said "it was a little bit surprising" when she found out she was the first black girl to play Marie in the production.

Asked what she hopes people in the audience feel when they see her performing onstage, Nebres said, "I want them to feel empowered … because you get to see someone like you onstage, and it makes you think, 'Oh, well maybe I can do that, too, because if she did it then I can.'"

In the 65 years the New York City Ballet has been producing “The Nutcracker,” Charlotte Nebres is the first black ballerina to play the role of Marie.

Ballerina sisters, Charlotte and Libby Nebres, sit down to discuss Charlotte's history-making role as the first black "Marie" in the New York City Ballet's production of 'The Nutcracker." #Future40 

A reimagined and modern take on the holiday favorite! This book weaves together the classic Christmas tale and the true-life story of ballerina Charlotte Nebres, the first Black girl to play Marie in the New York City Ballet’s production.

Catching up with young dancer turned children’s book author Charlotte Nebres to learn more about another outstanding achievement! Charlotte discusses her new book “Charlotte & the Nutcracker: The True Story of a Girl Who Made Ballet History”. Published by Penguin Random House, 12/21/21.

Charlotte Nebres is a 13-year-old preprofessional ballet dancer who, in 2019, made history as the first Black ballerina to dance the role of Marie in New York City Ballet’s beloved production of 'George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker.' Following this experience, Nebres wrote the children’s book 'Charlotte and the Nutcracker' (Random House, Dec. 21). The book, written with Sarah Warren and vibrantly illustrated by Alea Marley, is an inspiring story that showcases her tenacity as a young ballerina, full of heart and Christmas spirit.

Come Read ‘Charlotte and The Nutcracker’ with Author Charlotte Nebres and Draw Along with your favorite scenes!  Crayola’s Read Along, Draw Along activity features authors and Illustrators reading and drawing LIVE for you to follow along.