The Nutcracker Ballet

Dance To Your Heart's Delight (DTYHD) proudly presented its 20th annual production of The Nutcracker at Downey Theatre on December 6-8, 2024. It's not the holidays without the enchanting tale of The Nutcracker and Tchaikovsky's iconic score, brought to life by a live orchestra under the brilliant baton of Maestro Branden Muresan, with Concert Master Jessica Haddy from the Southern California Philharmonic.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all the volunteers, the families of our dancers, and our patrons. Your unwavering support, through your time, talents, and financial contributions, has been truly inspiring and essential to our success.

We hope you enjoyed the performances as much as we did. Your support and assistance made this incredible accomplishment possible. We are profoundly grateful for your generosity and dedication.

To our dedicated dancers, who worked tirelessly to perfect their performances, it has been an honor to see you shine on stage and share your immense talents with the audience.

DTYHD wishes everyone involved a joyous holiday season and a very Happy New Year! Your continued support brings magic to our productions and joy to our hearts.

¹ Dance! To Your Heart's Delight is Tustin Dance Center's 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our non-profit was established to advance the arts within our studio and in the greater Tustin community. The proceeds from all Nutcracker performances, the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party, the Nutcracker boutique, concessions, fundraisers, and donations are directed into the non-profit and used to fund the production of the event each year.

The Nutcracker Ballet

Happy Holidays!

Event Details

DTYHD's 20th annual Nutcracker Ballet took place at the Downey Theatre from December 7-8, 2024. The performance featured Tchaikovsky's iconic score, played live by a 48-piece orchestra. This classic and festive ballet was brought to life by a talented cast and theatre crew, creating a memorable celebration for all attendees.

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 is a true spectacle, showcasing professional dancers in all principal roles alongside some of the most talented dancers from Tustin Dance Center, spanning all ages.

Imagine the scene: the air is filled with Tchaikovsky's timeless score as a young girl named Clara experiences an extraordinary Christmas. At a joyous family party brimming with dance, magic, and animated dolls, Clara is given a special gift-a Nutcracker. That night, as she sleeps, Clara's imagination takes flight, leading her into a fantastical dream.

In this dream, she witnesses an epic battle between an army of mice and her toy soldiers. With the battle won, the adventure continues as she journeys to the enchanting Kingdom of Sweets. Here, Clara dances with her Prince and meets the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy, making unforgettable memories in a realm where dreams and reality blend beautifully.