West Coast Ballet: The Nutcracker

Canons will roar and snow will fall at this beloved yuletide ballet. The community is invited to experience the magic of the San Diego Nutcracker at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido (the Center) on Saturday, Dec. 7. What better way to kick off the most joyous time of year? This production of "The Nutcracker" is presented by the Center and West Coast Ballet Theatre, in association with San Elijo Dance & Music Academy and 4S Dance Academy. Two showtimes are offered: 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. The show is sure to delight young and old alike, transporting audiences into a land of dancing nutcrackers and sugarplum fairies, all while instilling a love of the arts and the boundless merriment that comes along with the holiday season. Destined to become a cherished family tradition, the West Coast Ballet Theater's enchanting production of "The Nutcracker" captures the magic, wonder and innocence of Tchaikovsky's classic children's tale. Dancers from the San Elijo Dance & Music Academy, the preeminent arts academy in San Diego's North County, will perform alongside internationally acclaimed guest artists in this stunning, grand-scale production that features spectacular sets, special effects, gorgeous costumes and other treats for the eyes. The Dec. 7 show will feature guest stars Allyson Barkdull (California Ballet Company), a So Call native and San Elijo Dance Academy alum, and Hungarian dancer and teacher Zsolt Banki. "The Nutcracker" is directed by Lauri-Michelle and Benjamin Houk, who founded San Elijo Dance & Music Academy in 2000. This is West Coast Ballet Theatre's 12th annual Nutcracker production and it promises to be a heartwarming and memorable event for the entire family. The Dec. 7 shows are perfect for young children because the ballet will be performing a Nutcracker Suite, which is shorter than the full-length version. The show is performed in two acts, about 45 minutes each, with a 15-minute intermission. Even better, the shows are the same day as the Center's annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Winter Wonderland. Families are encouraged to enjoy FREE activities before or after "The Nutcracker," as the holiday festival will run from 3 to 8 p.m. The event will include arts and crafts, live music and costumed entertainers, an appearance by Santa and a Winter Wonderland complete with real snow!