Diane Rose Zink's Nutcracker

Did you know Everybody Can DANCE performed the first Nutcracker ballet on the Central Coast? With shower curtain changing rooms and borrowed electricity from Gottchalks, a glorious holiday tradition was born in the Santa Maria Town Center Mall in December 1987. Over 35 annual performances later, Artistic Director Diane Rose Zink has continued to enhance and embellish her production of Tchaikovsky’s glorious ballet as a holiday gift to the community.

It is Christmas Eve. Herr Silberhaus, the President of the Town Council, and his family are preparing for a party. His daughter, Clara, is especially excited. Her godfather Herr Drosselmeyer, the town toymaker, has promised her a special present, and presents her with a little wooden doll painted like a soldier: the Nutcracker. Clara’s brother Fritz becomes jealous, and the pair tussle over the doll until it breaks! But Godfather Drosselmeyer is on hand to fix him, and the party continues on happily. Later that night, Clara dreams that giant mice have broken into the house and only her brother’s toy soldiers, led by the Nutcracker can save her home! The Nutcracker and Mouse King do battle, and the Nutcracker is stabbed by the Mouse King! Horrified, Clara kills the Mouse King with her shoe. Clara’s bravery and compassion magically transform the wounded Nutcracker into a handsome Prince, who takes Clara off on a magical journey to the Land of Sweets.

Join Everybody Can DANCE and the Santa Maria Civic Ballet for this timeless story of love, bravery, and joy! This year's production features rising local star Makai Copado as the Nutcracker Prince, and returning ECD alumni Juliet Peck as the Sugar Plum Fairy. Tchaikovsky's brilliant music and Artistic Director Diane Rose Zink's intricate choreography take you on a journey through the wonder of first love and the joys of the season!

General Admission

Running Time: 2 hours with 20 minute intermission