A young girl dressed as a ballerina in a light blue dress performing a ballet pose on stage with one leg extended and holding a nutcracker doll in her hand. Behind her are actors in period costumes, with a Victorian-style sofa and Christmas decoratio

Ballet dancers on stage performing a holiday-themed dance with a Christmas tree and snow-covered forest backdrop.

Young children in traditional clothing engaged in a conversation at a cultural event or performance.

Ballet dancers on stage, with one ballerina in the center performing an arabesque, surrounded by other dancers in pink and pastel tutus with floral headbands, under stage lighting.

Ballet dancers performing on stage, with one male and female dancer in front, and several dancers in traditional folk costumes with floral headbands in the background.

A group of young female ballet dancers performs on stage, dressed in blue and gold costumes, with a backdrop of lush green scenery.

Ballet dancers in costumes during a stage performance with a vintage living room set in the background.

Ballet dancers performing on stage in traditional costumes, with one dancer balancing on one leg and holding a hat in the air, surrounded by a scenic backdrop with a woman seated on a throne in the background.

Backstage view of dancers preparing, with a focus on a woman with a bun hairstyle decorated with ribbons and flowers, wearing a dress with off-the-shoulder sleeves, in front of a stage with performers.

Young ballet dancer with a tiara and smiling, backstage, with stage lights and equipment in the background.

The Nutcracker

Saturday & Sunday, DECEMBER 20th & 21st at the beautiful Smothers Theatre on the campus of Pepperdine University!

Ballet dancers performing on stage, with two female dancers in red and black costumes, a male dancer in a black jacket, and a female in a white dress sitting on a throne-like chair.

Join us for a magical evening as we present the 18th Anniversary of this holiday classic, sure to delight the entire family.

TICKETS COMING SOON!

Two ballet dancers performing on stage with a woman sitting on a throne in the background, draped curtains and a green textured backdrop.

who have performed in countless Nutcrackers across the country, bring a beautifully choreographed performance of the ballet that is both rooted in ‘Nutcracker’ history & incorporating new interpretations of the rich and varied source material, complete with snowfall, magic, sword fights, and Sugar Plum Fairies!

Directors Jennifer & Robbin Shahani

Smothers Theatre

24255 Pacific Coast Hwy

Malibu, CA 90263

(310) 506-4522

Ballet performance on stage with two dancers, a male and a female, with the female extending her leg high. There is a backdrop featuring red curtains and a young girl seated on a throne-like chair in the background.

History

While The Nutcracker originates in 19th century Russia, it wasn’t until Willam Christensen choreographed the first American Nutcracker on the San Francisco Ballet in 1944 that it became the indispensable holiday favorite we think of today. Mr. C, widely known as the “grandfather of American ballet,” imbued it with his quintessential pioneer spirit and brought the piece with him when he founded Ballet West.

It was there – and in Houston Ballet, Boston Ballet, Ballet Midwest, public television productions and more – that Jennifer and Robbin Shahani performed The Nutcracker for many years, and now bring that same enthusiasm and light-hearted dramatic flair to their production of over 150 performers, including Academy students, pre-professional dancers, and professional guest stars.

As seen on KTLA News

Artistic Director Jennifer Shahani joins KTLA News and shares the mission of California Dance Ensemble. Enjoy highlighted scenes from California Dance Academy’s previous renditions of The Nutcracker within!

Join the Cast

All dancers fully registered at California Dance Academy, aged 5 or older by December are eligible to participate! Keep an eye out for application calls in August.

Ballet dancers in white tutus performing on stage with a decorated Christmas tree in the background.

Ways to Support!

Purchase a Program Ad

Types of Program Ads

A great way to support the arts in your community is by purchasing a Program Ad as part of your marketing strategy.
Our audiences have a marketing reach across the San Fernando Valley, providing a fantastic opportunity for a business to get its message in front of approximately 2,400 highly targeted and motivated family audiences!
All program space availability is determined on a first-come, first served basis. If we are unable to fulfill your placement request, we will contact you for your next preferred location.
Celebrate your dancer by placing a Bravo! message in this year’s program!

Dimensions & Pricing

Full Page Ad: 5x8” ($150)
Half Page Ad: 5x4” ($80)
Business Card Ad: 3.25x2” ($50)
Bravo! Message ($25, if available)

To Order:

Prepare your artwork at the proper dimensions (as applicable)

Fill out the form linked below
Upload artwork or add message
Pay! You can pay online via Paypal or by calling the studio at 818.341.0525.

If you prefer, you may also email the ad information to: info@CaliforniaDanceEnsemble.org

Ads due by Saturday, December 14th!

ONLINE FORM HERE

2. Make a Donation

Reward Levels

Recognition on our website and in the program.
Four (4) tickets for the Nutcracker Performance of your choice.
A personalized Show Poster signed by the cast!
Recognition on our website and in the program.
Three (3) tickets for the Nutcracker Performance of your choice.
A personalized Show Poster signed by the cast.
Recognition on our website and in the program.
Two (2) tickets for the Nutcracker Performance of your choice.
Recognition on website and in program.
One (1) ticket for the Nutcracker Performance of your choice.
Recognition on our website and in the program.

DONATE NOW

California Dance Ensemble

California Dance Ensemble (CDE) is a non-profit performance group dedicated to promoting the positive benefits of dance in the community while providing a professional training experience for the serious ballet student.

Each year, CDE aims to raise funds to offset the cost of The Nutcracker production, as it’s a tremendous undertaking which requires many hours of rehearsals, help from parent volunteers, and thousands of dollars in costs.

Your tax-deductible donation allows us to continue this work. The Nutcracker production is a very special experience for our dance families. And it takes a village to make it happen.