Olivia MacKinnon in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker.
Erin Baiano
It’s a beloved holiday tradition and one of my favorite of all time. Ever year, thousands of people like me flock to Lincoln Center to catch a performance of George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” at the New York City Ballet. The holiday classic will open for the 2025-2026 on Friday November 28th with a performance at 8 p.m. and close on Sunday, January 4 with a sensory-friendly show.
Soloist Olivia MacKinnon will take the stage during the show as the lead dancer and is talent to know: originally from Mobile, Alabama, she started ballet dancing when she just three years old and later trained at the School of American Ballet. MacKinnon joined the NYCB is 2012 as an apprentice and was promoted to soloist in April 2023.
In the week leading up to opening night, I caught up with MacKinnon to talk about her favorite spots in New York- and all things ballet.
Where do you live in NYC?
Upper West Side
What is your favorite neighborhood in NYC and why?
I’m an uptown girl at heart. My life has revolved around Lincoln Center since I moved to NYC from Alabama at 15 years old. I also love the Upper East Side. Both neighborhoods hug Central Park and have those beautiful pre-war townhomes, which I enjoy walking by, cappuccino in hand, dreaming about what the interiors look like. The Upper West is artistic, grounding, and where I call home, while the Upper East is more polished and formal with some of the best shopping. I’m actually having my wedding on Park Avenue in March!
Can you share some of your favorite spots near Lincoln Center and what makes them so great?
79th Street Greenmarket – Every Sunday on the Upper West Side, this farmer’s market wraps around the American Museum of Natural History. It’s a wonderful way to support local farmers while stocking up on delicious, healthy ingredients and food for the week.
Bergdorf Goodman and BG Restaurant – This iconic department store is a symbol of old New York elegance and makes you step back in time. My mother, sisters, and I have a ritual of going to BG’s restaurant on the top floor, which has spanning views of Central Park, to celebrate any small occasion.
Two Boots – My vote for the best pizza on the Upper West Side. They use quality ingredients, like olive oil instead of seed oils in their dough, and it makes a world of difference. The Cleopatra Jones pizza is my personal favorite!
The Original Chinese Bodyworks – I’ve been going here for massages for so many years. They do a wonderful deep tissue massage, and as an athlete who needs one almost every week, the price point is a plus. Pro tip: Bring your own oil (I bring coconut).
Monogram Station inside the UWS Nordstrom – This is a secret I maybe should keep to myself, but as a Southerner who grew up with a monogram on anything and everything, I love stopping by here to personalize gifts or add a special touch to my own items. PS. It doesn’t have to be something you buy from Nordstrom!
The best place for a pre- or post-theater meal and why. What are the dishes to order?
Café Fiorello. It has been my regular spot since I first moved to the city, and it has stood the test of time. It’s always bustling because the food is delicious and the service is first-rate. Some personal favorites include the lasagna (just know it’s enough for two!) as well as the margherita pizza with meatballs. Fun fact: The restaurant posted a plaque with my name on it due to being such a devoted customer after all those post-performance meals!
Best watering hole near Lincoln Center and the drink to get?
The Jacques Bar at the Lowell Hotel. This lovely boutique hotel smells divine when you walk in, and the service is always impeccable. I recommend the cosmo.
Insider tips for enjoying the ballet? Anything to make the experience better?
Wear something fancy since you can never arrive overdressed to the ballet. Invest in a pretty pair of opera glasses, stay stocked with Rendez Vous fruit candy, and attend the Balanchine and Robbins programs.
What other ballets or shows are on your radar right now?
In terms of Broadway, The Great Gatsby could be a fun one to see! I’m also looking forward to the Dutch National Ballet’s upcoming performances at New York City Center—the very theater where New York City Ballet first began. They’re an extraordinary company based in Amsterdam, and the program will feature works by Alexei Ratmansky and Jerome Robbins, which I can’t wait to see.
I’ve also had my eye on Eugene Onegin at the Metropolitan Opera. With Tchaikovsky’s timelessly elegant score and a story filled with love and heartbreak, it’s sure to be a hit.
What do you love most about being a part of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker?
Sharing the magic of the season through George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is always such a joy. Returning to the same roles year after year brings a sense of comfort and tradition, while revealing a deeper understanding of the character and how I’ve grown as both an artist and a person.
Can you share any challenges you’ve encountered doing the show?
The six-week Nutcracker season definitely becomes the busiest time of the year for professional ballerinas. I not only perform in NYC, but I also travel, (or “gig,” as dancers call it) to perform with other companies as the Sugarplum Fairy. While it’s both humbling and invigorating to perform on different stages and in front of new audiences, the cross-country flights and grueling schedule can take a toll on the body.
Another challenge is learning how to savor the beauty of the holidays despite the fatigue. Over the years, I’ve found that embracing small moments of joy keeps me at peace during the busiest times, whether it’s grabbing a cup of hot chocolate, needlepointing, or leaving the theater for a quick walk to take in holiday windows.
Can you share your favorite theaters and ballet houses around the world and why?
The Copenhagen Opera House stands out in my mind with how different yet intentional it is. The building floats on Holmen Island in central Copenhagen, and you can only access it by taking a boat or water taxi. I have vivid memories of performing there for Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and learning special bows positioned toward her box. The theater was intentionally placed so the Queen can look straight across the harbor to the opera from Amalienborg Palace (the royal family residence). There are also water mist machines in the ballet studios, and the dressing rooms have large windows, something we don’t have at our home theater. When the New York State Theater (now known as the David H. Koch Theater) was being constructed, Balanchine requested no windows because he didn’t want his dancers to have distractions.
I also love the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Situated on the Place du Châtelet in the 1st arrondissement, right on the Seine River. It is a smaller and lesser-known theater next to the Palais Garnier, and I have very fond memories of performing there during a NYCB tour.