For Immediate Release

Bakersfield, CA – CIVIC DANCE CENTER proudly presents the 48th annual production of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, December 12-14, 2025, at the newly renamed Dignity Health Arena, Theater & Convention Center. This treasured Bakersfield tradition will once again feature a live orchestra and a cast of nearly 180 local multigenerational dancers, showcasing the artistry and dedication of our community’s finest performers.

For nearly five decades, The Nutcracker, has brough families together to celebrate the magic and wonder of the holiday season. Audiences will be transported to a whimsical world filled with dancing snowflakes, mischievous mice, and the Sugar Plum Fairy, all set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed live by The Nutcracker Orchestra.

As part of Civic Dance Center’s arts education and outreach initiatives, a shortened version of The Nutcracker will also be performed for local students during four Young People’s Concerts. Interested schools and youth programs may contact Civic Dance Center at (661)588-0900 for booking and availability.

Performance Details:

The Nutcracker
Dates:

• Friday, December 12th at 7:30pm
• Saturday, December 13th at 1:00pm and 7:30pm
• Sunday, December 14th at 1:00pm

Location: Dignity Health Arena, Theater & Convention Center – 1001 Truxtun Ave.

Tickets: Available at Civic Dance Center, the Dignity Health Arena Box Office, and www.axs.com

Nutcracker Tea

Before the Sunday matinee performance, join us for the Nutcracker Tea, a festive fundraiser benefitting Bakersfield City Ballet. Guests will enjoy a themed luncheon and the opportunity to meet and take photos with characters from The Nutcracker, featuring Bakersfield City Ballet dancers. This interactive pre-show experience brings the magic of the story to life and offers families a delightful way to celebrate the season – much like the beloved character dining experiences found at major theme parks. Tickets for the Nutcracker Tea are available through Bakersfield City Ballet.

Support the Live Orchestra

Civic Dance Center’s Nutcracker is one of only a few productions nationwide that features a live orchestra, a tradition that has enriched Bakersfield’s arts community for nearly five decades. The collaboration between dancers and musicians creates a rare, immersive experience that inspires both audiences and performers. Local businesses and patrons are invited to help sustain this legacy by becoming Nutcracker Orchestra sponsors. Sponsorships directly fund the talented musicians who make this production possible and include a range of recognition opportunities – from program ads and social media acknowledgements to VIP tickets and special even invitations. Sponsorship levels range from $100 to $20,000, with the top tiers including naming recognition for the Young People’s Concerts and featured placement on marketing materials and lobby displays. To learn more or to contribute, visit: https://givebutter.com/NutcrackerOrchestra

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About Civic Dance Center

Civic Dance Center has been a cornerstone of the Bakersfield arts community for over 50 years, providing exceptional dance education and performance opportunities for dancers of all ages. We are dedicated to fostering a love for dance performing arts in our community. Through innovative programming and educational opportunities, we strive to inspire and engage individuals of all ages. Civic Dance Center focuses on developing well rounded dancers through exposure to a variety of styles with an emphasis on classical ballet technique. All perspectives and individual talents are welcome to work constructively to achieve our shared values of discipline, imagination, and collaboration, elevating our behavior both in and out of the studio by treating each other with professionalism, kindness, and respect. For more information, visit www.civicdancecenter.com

About Bakersfield City Ballet

Bakersfield City Ballet is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pre-professional ballet company dedicated to enriching our community through performance, education, and outreach. We provide our city’s dancers with advanced training and professional-level performance experience. Through events throughout our season Bakersfield City Ballet continues its mission to inspire, educate, and connect our community through the transformative power of dance. For more information, visit www.bakersfieldcityballet.org