Shumway Hall on the Shattuck campus, decorated for the 2009 Campus Christmas Walk.
FOR A DECADE NOW, Shattuck-St. Mary’s School on Faribault’s east side has presented an annual Christmas gift to my community in the early December Campus Christmas Walk.
Visitors are welcome into the prestigious private prep school’s historic buildings to participate in activities like visiting with Santa, listening to musical performances, ornament making, lighting of a community Christmas tree, savoring holiday treats and, later, at one of Shattuck’s nearby ice arenas, watching a figure skating show.
When I last attended in 2009, a craft show and pinata breaking were also a part of the offerings. Additionally, I meandered through the decked-out-for-the-holidays hallways, appreciating aged stone buildings constructed by those who cared about detailed, fine craftsmanship.
The spotlight and cameras focus on “The Nutcracker on Ice” figure skaters.
This year I missed all of the Campus Christmas Walk activities on Saturday except “The Nutcracker on Ice,” presented by Shattuck-St. Mary’s figure skaters. What a treat to watch this classic holiday story unfold to a full house.
Because my husband and I arrived a wee bit late, we were seated too distant for me to get any publishable action photos with my non-telephoto lens Canon, although I certainly tried.
The cast, with the little Snowflakes on the lower right as audience favorites.
So, instead, I managed, at the end, to capture a few suitable images that showcase the pageantry, but certainly do not capture the athletic and theatrical skills woven into the students’ performances.
The older skaters pose for post performance photos.
For the most part, I am not a sports fan. But this storytelling figure skating, I enjoyed. And bonus, because this was a gift from Shattuck, admission was free.
© Copyright 2012 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
What a wonderful event that is! I have s soft spot for the Nutcracker—Aaron was the mouse king in a grade school non dancing production and our niece Rebekah has danced in it for years and years! Thanks for the pictures!!
Ah, given your fond memories, you would have especially loved this performance. Past years, the Shattuck Christmas show has not been a production like this, but rather simply individual and group skaters performing. I really like the new theatrical approach.
I remember the first time I found the campus (after seeing the signs for years). I was lost looking for the ice arena for a hockey game when Zak was just a little guy, and was amazed at the stunning campus. I wondered how Mom’s sent their little kids away!
Oh, yes, the Shattuck-St. Mary’s campuses are stunning given the aged limestone buildings, starting with the stone archway entrance onto the Shattuck campus. Be sure to click on the link to my previous post so you can see a few interior shots. The buildings are equally as gorgeous inside.
I, too, wonder how moms can send their children so far away to boarding school. Many students come from foreign countries.
That is such a beautiful place!!! Have heard of it but never saw any photos. The skating performance looks amazing! ‘Tis the Season….for sure!!!!
Shattuck-St. Mary’s campuses are exceptionally beautiful with their old stone buildings. You’d think you’re walking onto the campuses of an old Ivy League college (not that I’ve ever been on an Ivy League campus). “The Nutcracker on Ice” was spectacular.
The Nutcracker on stage seems hard enough — on ice? Must be really fun to see. What a nice thing for the community.
I did see The Nutcracker ballet back in college on stage…
Yes, the skating was quite impressive and most definitely a nice gift to the community.
I have a college friend whose children are in Narnia each Christmas out in Eugene, OR – I am so jealous of their opportunity! I’d LOVE for my kids to be able to do that…
Should I even tell you then that “Willy Wonka” is currently on stage at the Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault? Four shows remaining.
http://www.paradisecenterforthearts.org/theatre/
Oh, how fun! No, don’t tell me.
And I’m not certain we will make it to the production.