School of Classical Ballet will present
"The Nutcracker"
December 13, 2025 at 6:00 pm
and December 14, 2025 at 1:00 pm
at Memorial Auditorium, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Ave., Montclair, NJ 07043.
"The Nutcracker" tickets are on sale now: vbs.booktix.com
Alissa Kossov was born and raised in Russia, where she immersed herself in the world of
professional ballet from a young age. A graduate of the prestigious Vaganova Ballet Academy in
St. Petersburg, she received world-class training in the renowned Russian ballet tradition. As
the founder of the School of Classical Ballet, Alissa serves as its artistic director and
choreographer, bringing her vision and expertise to both students and audiences. She has
successfully created and directed several full-length ballet productions, including The
Nutcracker, The Snow Queen, Around the World, Gala, and Paquita, among others.
Yinet was born in Havana, Cuba, and began her ballet training at the prestigious Alejo
Carpentier National School of Ballet. Under the guidance of esteemed mentors such as Marta Iris
Fernández, Ramona de Saá, and Caridad Martínez, she honed her craft alongside other
distinguished teachers. In 2008, Yinet graduated and joined the National Ballet of Cuba, where
she performed for six years in iconic ballets including Lake, Don Quixote,
Giselle,
Coppélia, and Romeo and Juliet. In 2016, she relocated to the United States and, in
2017, joined
the Dance Theatre of Harlem, where she continues to perform. At Dance Theatre of Harlem, Yinet
has danced notable roles in works such as Le Corsaire pas de deux,
Allegro Brillante, This
Bitter Earth, and Blake Works IV.
After a distinguished 15-year career with American Ballet Theatre (ABT), April retired in
October 2022. She continues to perform Swan Lake during ABT’s Metropolitan Opera House Summer
Season. Throughout her career, April has taught at numerous ballet academies and summer
intensives across the United States, specializing in instructing students of all ages in the
fundamentals of ballet, as well as advanced technique and artistry. Her training in diverse
classical methods, including the Vaganova method, Balanchine technique, and American Ballet
Theatre curriculum, provides her students with comprehensive exposure to various classical
styles.
The Nutcracker 2025 tickets are on sale now: vbs.booktix.com
We invite you to two "The Nutcracker" performances,| Holidays | |
|---|---|
| Halloween | Oct. 31, 2025 |
| Thanksgiving | Nov. 26 - 30, 2025 |
| Holiday Recess | Dec. 15, 2025 - Jan. 4, 2026 |
| February Break | Feb. 16 - 21, 2026 |
| Easter Break | Apt. 3 - 5, 2026 |
| Class Concerts | May 16, 2026 |
| Last day of school | May 21, 2026 |
| Events | |
|---|---|
| “The Nutcracker” auditions | Sep. 27, 2025, at 2:00 pm |
| “The Nutcracker” rehearsals start | October 4, 2025 |
| Pre-performance Sunday Rehearsal at school: Please note that the entire cast will have a mandatory rehearsal Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. | |
| “The Nutcracker” dress rehearsal | Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at 5:00 pm |
| “The Nutcracker” | Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at 6:00 pm and Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at 1:00 pm |
| Summer Intensive Program | June 1 - 25, 2026 |
| Summer Camp | TBD |