Every November and December, thousands of dancers across the US hear the beautiful celesta and rousing march from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. But what are their favorite holiday songs outside of this holiday classic? Here are the tunes that keep them full of festive cheer during warm-ups, cool-downs, and all the moments when they are not onstage.
- “Last Christmas”—Wham!
Amy Herchenroether, Saint Louis Ballet
Aaliyahmarie Key, San Francisco Ballet
“I’m obsessed with it.”—Morgan Barton, Pacific Northwest Ballet - “All I Want For Christmas Is You”—Mariah Carey
“It’s a classic!”—Isabella DeVivo, San Francisco Ballet
“Classic.”—Anna Lisa Wilkins, Ballet RI
“In a celebratory way, like ‘The holidays are here’ way, Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ and then in a more serious way, ‘White Christmas’ and ‘The Christmas Song.’”—Audrey Lukacz, Ballet RI - “Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas)”—Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters
Emma Guertin, Ballet RI - “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)”—Nat King Cole
Anjali Hern & Jayden Towers, Ballet RI - “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”—Andy Williams
Isabelle Lapierre, Cincinnati Ballet - “Dance of the Reed Flutes” from The Nutcracker—Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Jackson Calhoun, Ballet RI - “Mary, Did You Know?”—Pentatonix
Tara McCally & Adele Walden, Ballet RI - “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”—Choir of King’s College
Miguel Guevara, Saint Louis Ballet - “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”—Frank Sinatra
- “Underneath the Tree”—Kelly Clarkson
- “Snowman”—Sia
- “Feliz Navidad”—José Feliciano
“There are so many! “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by Frank Sinatra, “Underneath The Tree” by Kelly Clarkson, “Snowman” by Sia or “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano. I can’t just pick one, they’re all my favorites.”—Alexis Francisco Valdes, San Francisco Ballet - “Joy to the World”—Nat King Cole
“I think Christmas with Nat King Cole is the best holiday album.”—Michael Burke, Saint Louis Ballet - “White Christmas”—Bing Crosby and Marjorie Reynolds
“There’s something nostalgic, heartfelt, intimate, and peaceful about it—all the qualities that the heart of the holiday season inspires. Every time I hear it, it brings a sense of comfort and timelessness that feels like home.”—Sasha De Sola, San Francisco Ballet
