Making The Nutcracker Accessible for All

North Central Ballet is stepping up to make the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, more welcoming for everyone. They're introducing a sensory-friendly version of the show. This means the lights will be softer, the sounds will be quieter, and there will be flexible seating. Plus, there will be headphones to block out noise and fidget items to keep hands busy. If anyone needs a break, they can step out into the lobby, which is designed as a calm zone. This is the first time in 31 years that the ballet has offered a sensory-friendly performance. The idea came from a mom who asked if such a show was available. The ballet company thought, why not? They teamed up with MHMR of Tarrant County to train their staff. This way, they can better support people with sensory sensitivities. They even made changes to the ballet itself, like softening the cannon sounds in the battle scene. The ballet will still have its traditional performances. But now, more families can enjoy the magic of The Nutcracker. Jordan, the founder, hopes this will become a regular thing. He believes it will be a hit and reach families who've never been to a theater before. The sensory-friendly performance is on December 14th at the I. M. Terrell Performing Arts Center. Tickets start at $10. It's a small step towards making art accessible to everyone.