The Verona Youth Ballet formed in 2005 as a vehicle for dancers of all ages and levels from studios throughout the Verona area to perform annual Nutcracker suites through the Rhapsody Arts Center which began its holiday arts programs at the Verona Performing Arts Center that year, with just three dancers and two dance pieces. With the support of the Verona Area Chamber of Commerce, the Nutcracker has now grown to become an independent presenter of the Hometown Holiday Artists Showcases, with over 80 dancers in a suite of dances from the Nutcracker Ballet. 

The hour-long Nutcracker performance features performances by children, adults, amateurs and a number of seasoned professionals.  This family friendly show has delighted audiences with its energetic dancing, shimmering costumes and fascinating Tchaikovsky score.

The Verona Youth Ballet’s mission is to promote the education of area dancers and dance audiences through professional quality dance classes, health and fitness seminars, free outreach programs and regular performance opportunities. 

Founder Charmaine Ristow has a long history of developing dance education programs in the Madison area. Ristow is a lifelong dancer who enjoyed an international professional career with the Wisconsin Ballet Company, Swedish National Ballet and Milwaukee Ballet while also earning a degree in special education, performing in a dozen countries, owning and operating several Madison studios, and lecturing in the UW-Madison Dance Department. She has co-founded several dance organizations, including the original Madison Nutcracker, Kanopy Dance, Madison Civic Ballet and MetroDance, Inc. Ristow’s professional experience includes training with internationally renowned artists, performing with Rudolf Nureyev, coaching students who have been accepted into numerous national and international companies, and consistently educating dancers and dance audiences about safe and effective technical practices through professional-level performances and freelance seminars.

The 2016 Nutcracker was co-directed by Ms. Ristow and Stephanie Tollefson, owner and director of Ballet U, LLC.  Since 2017 the VYB Nutcracker has been directed by Ms. Tollefson and is supported by a team of seasoned dance professionals who have been involved with this production for many years. 

The 2019 Nutcracker had a record number of participants (130) and several new pieces were added.

After not being able to perform a Nutcracker in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic wewere excited to return to the stage in 2021 and 2022 are now getting ready for another fabulous Nutcracker season.