The Nutcracker

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

Join us for a magical evening as we present the 17th Anniversary of this holiday classic, sure to delight the entire family.

Directors Jennifer & Robbin Shahani

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!

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.

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.

Ways to Support!

  1. 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)

  1. Fill out the form linked below

  2. Upload artwork or add message

  3. 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

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.

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.