Irvine Maple Youth Ballet's The Nutcracker Ballet, A Magical Journey Where Dreams Come True! December 20, 2008

From the moment the lights dim, you will be transported to a magical place filled with dancing snowflakes, a dashing prince, and Tchaikovsky's majestic score based on one of the world's most beloved ballets.

Share the tradition of fantasy as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Nutcracker Prince and Clara ignite the imagination of your princes and princesses of all ages. Watch as this unique Orange County experience unfolds, showcasing more than 80 exceptionally talented & classically trained dancers from across the Southland!

Featuring original choreography by Artistic Director Charles Maple, The Maple Youth Ballet's The Nutcracker is a contemporary full-length rendition-with-a-twist of E.T.A. Hoffman’s time-honored classic which centers around Clara, a young girl who yearns to one day become a professional ballerina.

Celebrate the holiday season in style as we debut our new 50' hand-painted sets and sumptuous costumes created by one of Southern California’s top artistic and award-winning designers, Jenny Tomich. And share in the excitement as our magnificent Christmas tree creates an astonishing and thrilling special effect as it magically grows to 55' high, encompassing the entire stage!

Running Time: About two hours with intermission

Additional Audience Treat

On-Stage Dance Workshop For Young Audiences (Sat. & Sun. 2pm performances only)
Pili Doheny, Asst. Director, Maple Conservatory's Pre-Ballet Program
Ruth Ziegler, Maple Conservatory Ballet Faculty Member

Children ages 4-8 are invited to free, fun-filled dance workshop led by Maple Conservatory's Pili Doheny and Ruth Ziegler. This 20-minute workshop will be held following our Saturday & Sunday matinee performances. Ms. Doheny and Ms. Ziegler will lead the children through some ballet stretches and teach a children's dance from our Nutcracker production! Dancers from our Nutcracker production will also be there in costume to sign autographs and pose for photos with the children.

Tickets On Sale Now!

Buy Now & Get The Best Seat Selection — At Family-Friendly Prices

Tickets are only $28, $24 and $20 for adults and $22, $18 and $16 for children 12 & under and seniors 65+.

All performances feature assigned seating.

Special Family Rate On Monday Night: Tickets for Monday's performance are at a reduced rate of $22, $18 and $16 for adults and $16, $12 and $10 for children & seniors.