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The Nutcracker

 

 

Celebrate the Season with The Nutcracker!

This holiday season, Dance! To Your Heart's Delight1 proudly presents its 21st annual production of the beloved ballet, The Nutcracker a timeless tradition that brings the spirit of Christmas to life through music, movement, and magic.

Join us on December 20-21, 2025 at the stunning Downey Theatre in Downey for our classical rendition, performed to Tchaikovsky's iconic score. It's not the holidays without Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the unforgettable cast of characters that make this story a seasonal treasure.

The Story That Dances Through Generations

On Christmas Eve, young Clara receives a mysterious gift from her eccentric Uncle Drosselmeyer-a wooden Nutcracker. As the evening unfolds with dancing dolls and festive cheer, Clara drifts into a dream where her Nutcracker springs to life, leading a thrilling battle against mischievous mice. Victorious, he transforms into a handsome prince and whisks Clara away on a magical journey to the Kingdom of Sweets.

There, the Sugar Plum Fairy welcomes Clara with a dazzling celebration of international dances-Spanish, Arabian, Russian, Chinese, Mirlitons, and the breathtaking Waltz of the Flowers. Just as Clara believes she's seen all the beauty the world can offer, the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier perform a final, exquisite pas de deux. As the dream fades, Clara awakens in her home, wondering if the magic was real.

Experience the Wonder

Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering The Nutcracker for the first time, this enchanting performance is the perfect way to celebrate the season. Let the music, costumes, and storytelling sweep you into a world of holiday magic.

 

1 Dance! To Your Heart's Delight is the official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of Tustin Dance Center, created to enrich lives through the performing arts-both within our studio and throughout the greater Tustin community. Each year, proceeds from our cherished holiday events-including The Nutcracker performances, the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party, our Nutcracker Boutique, fundraisers, and generous donations-go directly toward funding these productions. Your support helps us bring professional-quality performances to life while nurturing young dancers and spreading seasonal joy to families across Orange County.

 

 

 

The Nutcracker Ballet

 

Tickets on-sale soon!

Event Details

DTYHD's 21st annual Nutcracker Ballet will be performed on the following dates at the Downey Theatre:

    Saturday, December 20, 2025

o   2:00 pm

o   6:30 pm

    Sunday, December 21, 2025

o   2:00 pm

Downey Theatre

The Downey Civic Theatre is a 738-seat venue located in the heart of Downtown Downey. The Downey Theatre strives to bring the best entertainment and enhance the cultural and economic growth within the community is perfect for staging our 18th annual Nutcracker Ballet.

Downey Theatre

8435 Firestone Blvd.

Downey, CA 90241

The Downey Theatre first opened its doors in 1970, built to house the success of the Downey Children's Theatre under the direction of John Hume.  While many of the old theatre programs shut down in 1978, the theatre continues to present the community with shows from the Downey Civic Light Opera, the Downey Symphony, and other local cultural and dance companies.

Under new management in 2011, the Downey Theatre began to once again host larger acts as a performing arts venue, presenting concerts and shows of nationally known artists.

Fun fact about Downey Theatre... In March 1971, astronauts Alan Shephard, Edgar Mitchell, and Stuart Roosa landed by helicopter in Downey and spoke at the theater. It was a busy place. Everything from beauty pageants to opera to marionettes have played there.

The Nutcracker Ballet Story

The Nutcracker Ballet features professional dancers for all principal roles, and dozens of Tustin Dance Centers most talented dancers of all ages.

In this enchanting ballet, featuring the famous score by Tchaikovsky, a young girl has a very special Christmas. At a fun-filled family party with dancing, magic and dolls that come to life, Clara receives a special gift: a Nutcracker. That night she dreams of an epic battle between mice and toys, and a magical journey to the Kingdom of Sweets, where Clara dances with her Prince and meets the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy.

 

 

 

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