Every dancer remembers the first time they step onto a real stage.
The lights. The scenery. The costumes.
The vast audience waiting in the seats.

For generations of Pasadena Dance Theatre dancers, that moment has been The Nutcracker. This December, our students will again share the historic San Gabriel Mission Playhouse stage with alumni and professional artists, for one of Pasadena's most beloved holiday traditions.

Producing The Nutcracker on this scale requires a significant investment long before the curtain rises. This year, that includes an important reinvestment in our beloved scenic backdrops. These large-scale, hand-crafted pieces require periodic professional fireproofing to meet theatrical safety standards and ensure they can continue to be enjoyed for years to come. That work comes alongside the rising costs of theater rental, crew, costumes, transportation, and production elements.

Ticket sales are essential to making The Nutcracker possible, but they only cover a portion of the production’s full cost. Sponsorships provide critical early funding for these upfront expenses and help Pasadena Dance Theatre continue investing in the safety, quality, and artistry that have made The Nutcracker a treasured part of our community.

Your support allows us to care for this beloved production today, while preserving its legacy for future generations.

We invite you to join us as a 2026 Nutcracker sponsor.

Images by Kirk Jackson

BEHIND THE MAGIC

Support the artistry, care, and production of Pasadena Dance Theatre’s 2026 The Nutcracker