“Nutcracker Nightmare” brings fundraising, mystery to the FoCo ballet scene

On Saturday, Sept. 13, the DANCE Arts Network hosted “Nutcracker Nightmare: A Ballet Murder Mystery Fundraiser.” Every ticket sold supported DANCE Arts Network’s mission to uplift communities through movement, creativity and compassion.

The premise of this night is as dramatic as the art itself. Within the storyline, during the company’s production of “The Nutcracker,” something goes terribly wrong: The lead dancer is found dead just before the opening night curtain rises. What would normally be a cheerful holiday performance was transformed into a playful but suspenseful whodunit.

Attendees spent the evening following a script, stepping into character roles and exchanging questions with other suspects. Everyone was encouraged to arrive on time, as the narrative began immediately. Throughout the performance, they received numerous pieces of evidence, such as a burn book found backstage that helped them piece together the mystery. In true interactive theater fashion, everyone had the chance to sleuth their way toward solving the crime. Costume ideas were mainly around “The Nutcracker.” Each carefully chosen outfit added depth to the performance, helping blur the line between actors and audience members.

The room was decorated with seasonal ornaments that added a festive touch, while champagne glasses were arranged to set the mood. Guests’ commitment to dressing in character gave the evening a playful yet polished quality. As laughter, gasps and whispered guesses filled the air, the fundraiser succeeded in blending intrigue with artistry, leaving attendees eager for future events that combine creativity, community and support for local dance.

The nonprofit Dance Arts Network and Continuing Education provides dance training and performance opportunities for students and community members in Fort Collins. Proceeds from ticket sales support these programs, helping cover costs for instruction, rehearsal space and production expenses. By combining entertainment with philanthropy, the evening highlighted how creative fundraising events can sustain arts organizations while also building a stronger connection between performers and audiences.

“I started (dancing) about two years ago because my mom has been dancing here for a while — I love it,” said Eden Chapman, a dancer at Front Range Classical Ballet Academy.

Chapman said opportunities like these fundraisers make it possible for her and other young dancers to continue training and performing at a high level, while also connecting with the community in meaningful ways.
“The Dance Arts Network and Continuing Education is a nonprofit that’s associated with the studio. Through the nonprofit, we put on productions, we do outreach shows around the community (and) we offer scholarships to people so anybody who wants to dance can do it.” -Ixchel Levendosky, Front Range Classical Ballet Academy director
Attendees were encouraged to dress in costume to enhance the immersive atmosphere. There were food, drinks and entertainment provided between scenes to keep the evening lively beyond the mystery itself. Some guests chose outfits inspired by “The Nutcracker” characters, while others leaned into classic detective attire, creating a colorful and theatrical audience.

“It’s a fundraiser for DANCE, and paid entrance gets you a role to play in the mystery as well as desserts and a mocktail, and essentially it’s a murder mystery game … but ballet themed,” said Kim Tsao, an FRCBA faculty member.

Tsao noted that blending a traditional holiday ballet with an interactive storyline offered a fresh way to engage audiences of all ages.

For Fort Collins’ performing arts community, the event was not only for entertainment; it offered a platform for local dancers, choreographers and stage technicians to showcase their talents, engage new audiences and raise necessary funds. Many participants expressed excitement about the balance between theatrical storytelling and classical movement, allowing both seasoned ballet fans and newcomers to enjoy the experience.

Bridging popular culture’s love for murder mysteries with classical ballet’s grace opens up possibilities for audience expansion; people who might not otherwise attend a ballet may come for the mystery, stay for the dance and leave with a newfound appreciation of the art form. For organizations like DANCE Arts Network, reaching beyond typical audiences is key to sustaining future programming.

“The Dance Arts Network and Continuing Education is a nonprofit that’s associated with the studio,” said FRCBA Owner and Director Ixchel Levendosky. “Through the nonprofit, we put on productions, we do outreach shows around the community (and) we offer scholarships to people so anybody who wants to dance can do it.”

Reach Riley Paling at entertainment@collegian.com or on social media @rileypaling.