Magical toy soldiers, sparkling fairies, mischievous mice, and all the enchanting inhabitants of E.T.A. Hoffmann's whimsical world descend upon Costa Mesa's Segerstrom Hall this December for the Southern California tradition of ballet master Alexei Ratmansky's exhilarating imagining of The Nutcracker.

Prepare to be mesmerized by this wonderfully magical ballet, recounting one of our most beloved fairy tales, that of the cursed Princess Aurora, otherwise known as The Sleeping Beauty. The first ballet scored by Tchaikovsky. Lovingly reimagined by Alexi Ratmansky, the production still retains the most treasured and iconic parts of the ballet - with a monumental twist!

Seen by millions of dance fans worldwide, Ballet Folklorico de Mexico has traveled to more than 60 countries and regularly garners rave reviews with every new show they produce. The oldest celebrated dance company in Mexico, Ballet Folklorico was founded in 1952 by Amalia Hernandez, as her own personal ambition to rescue the 60+ dancing traditions of Mexico. They have created more than 40 productions since then, each highlighting the historical and cultural importance of Mexico's different regions.

Directed by Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla, Festival Ballet Theatre's dazzling annual production of The Nutcracker returns this year to sweep you and your family out of the auditorium and into Clara's wonderful dream. With daring duels, the glittering Sugar Plum Fairy and an adventure to the Land of Sweets all backed by Tchaikovsky's unforgettable score, discover once more, or for the first time, why it's the world's most beloved festive treat!