Golden State Dance Foundation (GSDF) and V & T Dance bring The Nutcracker to life.

Set to Tchaikovsky's timeless score, the ballet tells the story of a young girl who receives a Nutcracker doll for Christmas from her Godfather. That night, she and her Nutcracker prince experience a magical dream adventure that begins with an epic battle against the Mouse Queen and takes them through the Forest of the Snowflakes to the Land of the Sweets, ruled by the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy. This holiday family favorite features curious mice, dancing clowns, glistening snowflakes and waltzing flowers. The spectacular custom made costumes and dramatic sets round out this wonderful holiday experience of joy and adventure.

Guest artist Madeline Woo, a former V & T company dancer, currently studying at the John Cranko School, the official school of the Stuttgart Ballet in Germany, will perform the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. This full-length production of the magical holiday ballet features more than 50 local dancers, ages 4-18. It is the 22nd year of this production originally choreographed by Victor and Tatiana Kasatsky.

The goal of GSDF is to provide opportunities for Orange County residents to affordably experience high quality performing arts and ballet. V & T Dance Academy located in Laguna Hills, started in 2008, is owned by Victor and Tatiana Kasatsky. They have won numerous Outstanding School, Teacher and Choreography awards at the Youth America Grand Prix and various other regional and national dance competitions. Many of the V & T students have excelled in ballet competitions, been awarded scholarships and have been accepted by prestigious ballet companies around the U.S. and Europe.