World Class Vaganova Ballet
Dynamic Cross-Cultural Collaborations
Values-Driven Community
Welcome to Alchemy Ballet Academy!
Alchemy Ballet presents The Andalusian Nutcracker
A Magical Reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s Beloved Holiday Classic
Under the direction of Lorraine Audeoud Spiegler, Alchemy Ballet presents The Andalusian Nutcracker, a dazzling new reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s beloved holiday classic infused with the fiery spirit, rhythms, and cultural heritage of southern Spain. Performances take place December 20-21, 2025 at Herndon High School Auditorium.
Set in the heart of Granada, The Andalusian Nutcracker transports audiences to the legendary Alhambra Palace, where young María receives a magical Andalusian Horse Nutcracker that carries her into an enchanted dream world. The production fuses classical ballet with the authentic dance, music, and storytelling traditions of Andalusia—including Flamenco, Moorish, Sephardic, and Middle Eastern influences—to create a richly layered, cross-cultural celebration of beauty and imagination.
With original choreography by Lorraine Spiegler and Luis Serrano, this groundbreaking adaptation honors Tchaikovsky’s timeless score while transforming it through the rhythms, movement vocabularies, and visual aesthetics of Iberian and Arab cultures. Signature scenes take on new life: the party scene will include a delightful puppet show; the “Arabian” dance becomes a showcase of traditional Middle Eastern movement, while the “Russian” dance is reimagined as a vibrant Iberian Horse celebration, complete with young tap dancers mimicking horses’ hooves and acrobatic elements that heighten the drama of the battle and celebration scenes.
Featuring Alchemy Ballet students, pre-professional trainees, alumni, and an array of distinguished guest artists—including Estela Vélez and Daniel Paredez of Furia Flamenca, legendary flamenco guitarist Torcuato Zamora (in celebration of his 90th birthday), the Silk Road Dance Company, the acclaimed SopranEssence ensemble of singers, plus members of Helping Hearts through the Arts - the Andalusian Nutcracker bridges cultures and generations in tribute to the power of art to unite.
Experience the Magic
Saturday, December 20, 2:00pm (mini-Nutcracker) and 5:30pm (full production)
Sunday, December 21, 2025, 3:30pm
Herndon High School Auditorium, 700 Bennett St., Herndon, VA 20170
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/alchemy-ballet-56381657103
Our Academy
Advanced Pre-Professional Program
Advanced Pre-Professional Program
Alchemy Ballet Academy is a values-driven ballet school that seeks to cultivate artistry and personal excellence. We are committed to building an encouraging and supportive environment and to providing opportunities for service in our broader community.
Attracting exceptional students from around the world, Alchemy Ballet Academy is primarily focused on training dancers in the Vaganova Ballet method. Our students are serious about their training and many are focused on pursuing positions with ballet companies. Regardless of which career path they choose, however, students learn the value of hard work, self-discipline, determination, collaboration and kindness.
Join with Alchemy Ballet Academy and train with the best international talent that has assembled in the Northern Virginia area.
Advanced Pre-Professional Program
Advanced Pre-Professional Program
Advanced Pre-Professional Program
With decades of experience as a visionary leader in dance education, Artistic Director Lorraine Spiegler has established and led nationally recognized pre-professional training programs, mentored dancers who have gone on to prestigious companies and conservatories, and curated performance opportunities that elevate both technical mastery and artistic expression. Her approach blends classical rigor with a deep commitment to the health, individuality, and long-term success of each dancer.
Under Ms. Spiegler’s leadership—and the watchful guidance of Alchemy Ballet’s exceptional faculty—you will receive personalized coaching, advanced technical refinement, and artistic mentoring designed to prepare you for a professional career in dance or advanced collegiate study. At Alchemy, we don’t just train dancers—we empower artists.
Dynamic Programs and Performances
Advanced Pre-Professional Program
Dynamic Programs and Performances
Students in the pre-professional ballet program will also have the opportunity to train in additional forms of dance to broaden the student’s technique and style, while also improving musicality and coordination.
Students will be invited to participate in classes and workshops with the international artists in our Masters Series, exploring contemporary, hip-hop and jazz, along with other culturally diverse dance styles.
In addition to the bi-annual academy performances, students will be considered for opportunities to perform with Alchemy Ballet Company.
For OUr Full-Time Advanced Pre-Professional Dancers
Academic Classes and Housing Opportunties
Looking for a program with outstanding in -person class opportunities? Our partner program provides customized college preparatory academic courses tailored to your child's needs within walking distance of the studio.
For students interested in taking in working on college coursework in-person while training with Alchemy. Options for International students.
Contact us to learn about our housing opportunities for accommodations near your new dance home! With the Metro Station only steps away from the studio, you will have access to transportation spanning the Washington, DC area.
DOwnload our APP!
View our calendar, register, purchase drop-in classes, get notifications, and interact with our content!
Enroll in classes or access The parent Portal
Portal Login
Become a Supporter and Donate Today
Join Our Mailing List
alchemy News!
Alchemy Ballet
590 Herndon Parkway, Ste. 140 Herndon, VA 20170
Artists in Motion dba Alchemy Ballet is a 501c(3) Non-Profit Organization.
Copyright © 2022-2025 Artists in Motion dba Alchemy Ballet - All Rights Reserved.
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.