Ulster Dance Company announced their 2026 Production of “A Christmas Carol.” For nearly three decades, Ulster Dance Company’s A Christmas Carol has brought Dickens’ timeless story to the stage through ballet, music, and theatrical storytelling.
Presented at the Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC) in Kingston, the production has become a signature part of the Hudson Valley holiday season, drawing audiences from across the region and offering visitors another reason to experience the area during one of its most festive times of year.
This past September, Ulster Dance Company announced that Philip Krauter — a ballet artist whose career spans five decades, dancing with many professional ballet companies, with roles ranging from Principal Dancer to Artistic Director — will join the organization as Director for its 28th annual production of Charles Dickens’ ”A Christmas Carol,” bringing decades of artistic leadership, choreography, teaching, and professional performance experience to one of the Hudson Valley’s signature holiday ballet productions.
Krauter’s arrival marks a significant artistic moment in the production’s history. Trained on a full Ford Foundation Scholarship at the Fort Worth Ballet School, and later on full scholarship with the San Francisco Ballet School, and the Robert Joffrey Workshop. He went on to perform with many dance companies including Ballet West, Hartford Ballet, Nevada Dance Theatre, the State of Alabama Ballet, and the Fort Worth Dallas Ballet; dancing celebrated works by George Balanchine, Anthony Tudor, Michael Fokine to name a few — from Serenade and Prodigal Son to Giselle, Swan Lake, Coppelia and Romeo and Juliet.
“I’m looking forward with great excitement to working with the talented cast of dancers and actors in this year’s production of “A Christmas Carol.” It is my desire to be inspired by the artistic vision of the original Choreographer “Sara Miot” and continue to entertain audiences with this Charles Dickens holiday classic,” said Krauter.
Krauter previously served as Artistic Director of Juneau Dance Theatre, where he also worked as Ballet Master and Choreographer; successfully staging his full-length production of ”The Nutcracker.” In 2003, he became the first American guest instructor ever invited to teach at the Ankara, Turkey State Opera Ballet — a distinction that speaks to the international respect his teaching has earned. For over a decade, he has helped shape dancers at Saugerties Ballet Center and Ulster Dance Company as an instructor
and company performer.
Set against the cultural energy and winter charm of the Hudson Valley, the production combines classical ballet, dramatic storytelling, and the enduring themes of generosity, transformation, and hope. With Krauter’s appointment, Ulster Dance Company enters this year’s season with an artistic leader whose career bridges the training grounds of American ballet’s golden age with the company’s own tradition of community storytelling — a renewed artistic perspective designed to honor the production’s legacy while
continuing to broaden its reach and appeal.
“Philip has been an instructor at Saugerties Ballet Center for the past decade and part of this production for several years, giving him a strong understanding of both how the show comes together and the important message it shares. Combined with his experience as both a dancer and director, he brings a fresh energy and perspective while staying true to what has made the production so special” said Scarlett Fiero, Artistic Director of Ulster Dance Company
The 28th annual production of A Christmas Carol will be presented at UPAC in Kingston on Saturday, December 5 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 6 at 2:00 p.m. A special school performance will take place on Thursday, December 3.
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