Westside Ballet of Santa Monica will present its 52nd annual Nutcracker production this holiday season, maintaining its distinction as Southern California's longest-running staging of the beloved Christmas ballet while bringing fresh artistic elements and world-class talent to the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage.
New York City Ballet principals Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia return as Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier for Thanksgiving weekend performances Nov. 29-30, marking their third consecutive year with the production. The company will present nine public performances over two weekends, with additional shows Dec. 5-7 featuring Los Angeles Ballet company dancer Rony Baseman and trainee Ashley Chung.
This year's production features 145 dancers ranging from age 8 to 18, the largest cast in the company's history. The roster includes 12-year-old Spencer Collins, who recently became the first Westside Ballet dancer to win the Hope Award at Youth America Grand Prix Finals, the world's premier ballet competition.
"This year represents a beautiful convergence of legacy and innovation," said Allegra Clegg, owner and executive director of Westside School of Ballet. "When Spencer performs alongside Tiler — who herself trained at Westside under my mother, founder Yvonne Mounsey — you're witnessing not just a performance, but a living legacy."
The production has undergone significant enhancements, including newly commissioned backdrops and set pieces that honor the Balanchine aesthetic while bringing fresh visual storytelling to iconic moments like the growing Christmas tree and the Kingdom of Sweets.
Artistic Director Martine Harley attributes the production's longevity to its deep roots and commitment to founder Yvonne Mounsey's original mission when she co-founded the school 58 years ago with Rosemary Valaire.
"Nearly all of our artistic staff are Westside alumni who trained here and went on to professional careers with renowned companies like New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and Houston Ballet," Harley said. "Now, they are passing on that same technique and artistry to the next generation, creating a legacy of excellence and consistency that our audiences have come to recognize and trust."
The company's commitment to accessibility has expanded through its Dance to Dreams scholarship program, founded in 2022. The initiative provides training opportunities for talented dancers from underserved communities, including 8-year-old Karson St. Claire, who will perform in this year's production after demonstrating exceptional talent during the program's week-long intensive workshops.
The organization has helped launch numerous dancers into prestigious training programs, including placements at the Royal Ballet School in London, San Francisco Ballet School and the Joffrey Ballet's Conservatory program.
Santa Monica resident Sophie Wilson, a Crossroads School senior who has trained with Westside Ballet since age 4, will perform principal roles including Snow Queen, Dewdrop Fairy and the Sugar Plum Fairy on Dec. 5.
A partnership with Santa Monica College enables the production to feature live orchestral accompaniment by the SMC Symphony Orchestra, a rarity among regional ballet companies.
"Live orchestral music transforms The Nutcracker from a performance into an event — and frankly, it's something most regional ballet companies simply can't afford to do," said Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein, producer for Westside Ballet of Santa Monica. "The dancers don't just move to music — they breathe with it, they respond to it in real time."
The production will debut a new Nutcracker Tea experience on Thanksgiving weekend, offering guests high tea, behind-the-scenes tours and a meet-and-greet with Peck.
Westside Ballet will also present abbreviated Nutcracker Suite performances for approximately 1,000 elementary students from Santa Monica-Malibu and Los Angeles Unified school districts on Dec. 4, and a complimentary performance for local veterans and charity organizations on Dec. 5.
Performances run twice daily at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 6-7, with an additional 7 p.m. show Dec. 5.
For tickets and information, visit westsideballet.com/nutcracker or call (800) 595-4849.