Golden State Ballet

Golden State Ballet San Diego’s Professional Ballet Company
BORN TO MOVE YOU ™
🎟️ Season 26/27 Subscriptions on sale now!

Official School: Golden State Ballet Academy
www.goldenstateballet.org/tickets

Where does your ticket go?Far beyond the seat you take.A single run of The Nutcracker brings together nearly 300 people—...
08/27/2026

Where does your ticket go?

Far beyond the seat you take.

A single run of The Nutcracker brings together nearly 300 people—from dancers and artistic staff to musicians, stage crews, craftspeople, and more. Behind the performance you see onstage are countless hours of class, rehearsal, coaching, technical work, costume preparation, and everything else it takes to bring a production to life.

And we couldn't do it alone. We're proud to work alongside so many incredible arts organizations and partners in our community—including , .122.official, , and .

When you buy a ticket to Golden State Ballet, you're supporting the people who make all of this work possible.

Your ticket supports the artists. Your ticket supports the work. Your ticket supports live ballet in our community.

This is what we mean when we say Support the Artists.

Come see where your support goes. ❤️

🎟️ Tickets and subscriptions for our 2026–27 season are on sale now.

✨ Meet the Artists of Golden State Ballet ✨Over the next several weeks, we're introducing you to the artists who bring e...
08/25/2026

✨ Meet the Artists of Golden State Ballet ✨

Over the next several weeks, we're introducing you to the artists who bring every Golden State Ballet production to life.

Next up is Ashley Onks, a member of our Corps de Ballet 🩰 💫

After two years dancing professionally out of state, Ashley knew she wanted to return home to Southern California. Golden State Ballet's incredible repertoire immediately caught her eye, giving her the opportunity to pursue her career while being closer to home.

Beyond the stage, Ashley is also a certified Pilates instructor and spent her summer teaching, cross-training, building her wellness brand, and finding new ways to support her body and her dancing.

As Ashley says, "Dance has taught me how to be disciplined, resilient, take risks, lean into fear and nerves, and continually step outside of my comfort zone."

❤️ Read Ashley's full interview—including the unexpected journey that led her to Pilates, what she's most excited to perform this season, and why live performance means so much to her—at the link in our bio.

Your support helps artists like Ashley continue to grow, create, and share their work with our community. We can't wait to welcome you to the theater this season.

This is the second story in our Support the Artists series. Follow along as we introduce more of the artists behind our 2026–27 season!

✨Meet the Artists of Golden State Ballet✨Over the next several weeks, we're introducing you to the artists who bring eve...
08/10/2026

✨Meet the Artists of Golden State Ballet✨

Over the next several weeks, we're introducing you to the artists who bring every Golden State Ballet production to life.

First up is Samantha Schmidt, a member of our Corps de Ballet 🩰 💫

After several years dancing professionally out of state, Samantha returned to Southern California in search of a company that would challenge and inspire her. Drawn to Golden State Ballet's dynamic repertoire and talented artists, she found a place that felt like the perfect fit—both professionally and personally.

This summer, she's been teaching young dancers, performing as a guest artist, cross-training, and spending time with family as she prepares for another exciting season on stage.

As Samantha says, "Every ticket or donation is an investment in our life's work and in the future of the arts."

❤️ Read Samantha's full interview—including what inspires her, why she dances, and what she's most excited about this season—at the link in our bio.

Your support helps artists like Samantha continue creating meaningful experiences for our community. We can't wait to welcome you to the theater this season.

This is the first story in our Support the Artists series. Follow along as we introduce some of the artists behind our 2026–27 season!

Some traditions are measured not just in years, but in the people who carry them forward. ❤️For Denise Dabrowski, The Nu...
07/29/2026

Some traditions are measured not just in years, but in the people who carry them forward. ❤️

For Denise Dabrowski, The Nutcracker has been part of her life since she was 10 years old. From dancing as the Sugarplum Fairy on the Civic Theatre stage to coaching today’s principals and soloists as Golden State Ballet’s Artistic Associate, Denise has dedicated her life to preserving the artistry and magic of this beloved holiday tradition. 🩰 💫

As we celebrate 55 years of The Nutcracker at the Civic Theatre, we’re honored to share Denise’s story—a journey of artistry, mentorship, and a lifelong commitment to the next generation of dancers.

In our latest blog, Denise reflects on some of her favorite Nutcracker memories, what it means to help carry this San Diego tradition forward, and the joy of watching today’s dancers make these iconic roles their own.

✨ Read the full interview at the link in our bio.

Have you been coming to The Nutcracker for years? Tell us your favorite memory in the comments—we’d love to hear how this tradition has become part of your holiday season. 🎄 🎁

POV: It's Nutcracker season at GSB. 🎄✨Your weekends disappear. You know everyone's quick-change station. You've eaten di...
07/29/2026

POV: It's Nutcracker season at GSB. 🎄✨

Your weekends disappear. You know everyone's quick-change station. You've eaten dinner on the floor of the dressing room more times than you can count. Somehow, you're still smiling. 💛

For the audience, it's two magical hours. For us, it's months of rehearsals, quick changes, inside jokes, helping hands, and memories we'll keep long after the final curtain.

These are a few of our favorite behind-the-scenes moments from Nutcrackers over the years.

We can't wait to make more this December!

🎄 Christmas in July is happening now! Save 20% on tickets through July 31 with code XMASNJULY, and start your family's holiday tradition with us.

Warning: extreme cuteness ahead. 🩰💛Swipe through to see some familiar faces from years ago! Before joining Golden State ...
07/29/2026

Warning: extreme cuteness ahead. 🩰💛

Swipe through to see some familiar faces from years ago! Before joining Golden State Ballet as dancers and staff, they were young performers making Nutcracker memories of their own.

Every grand tradition starts with a first performance, a first costume, and a little bit of holiday magic. We're honored to continue a legacy that has inspired generations of artists - and to help create memories that last a lifetime.

💭 Think you know who's who? Leave your guesses in the comments, then head over to our Stories to see how many you can identify! We'll reveal the answers soon. 👀

🎟️ Save 20% on The Nutcracker during our Christmas in July sale with code XMASNJULY, now through July 31.

🎁 💫 Some holiday traditions are wrapped in ribbon.Others begin with the first notes of Tchaikovsky's score.For generatio...
07/29/2026

🎁 💫 Some holiday traditions are wrapped in ribbon.

Others begin with the first notes of Tchaikovsky's score.

For generations, San Diego families have gathered at the Civic Theatre to experience the wonder of The Nutcracker together. Grandparents introduce grandchildren. Parents relive childhood memories. Children discover the magic for the very first time.

This year marks 55 years of Nutcrackers at the Civic Theatre, and Golden State Ballet is honored to continue that cherished holiday tradition.

Whether you're continuing a family ritual or starting a brand new one, we'd love to welcome you this December. ❤️

🎄 Christmas in July Sale!
Save 20% on tickets through July 31 when you purchase through our internal Box Office using code XMASNJULY.

✨ Link in bio to learn more and reserve your seats.

🎄✨ Christmas magic doesn’t start on stage... it starts in the costume shop.Meet Emily & Jessica—our Wardrobe Directors a...
07/11/2026

🎄✨ Christmas magic doesn’t start on stage... it starts in the costume shop.

Meet Emily & Jessica—our Wardrobe Directors and the creative duo who’ve been keeping Golden State Ballet beautifully dressed since 2025. From stitching brand-new costumes to repairing well-loved favorites, they (and their incredible team) make sure every dancer steps on stage looking their best.

Tomorrow they’re opening the doors to their workshop, and you’re invited!

Come peek behind the curtain, tour the costume shop, meet the artists behind the seams, and see where hundreds of Nutcracker costumes are cared for, repaired, and created. Whether you’re a longtime ballet lover or just curious about how the magic comes together, we’d love to see you.

📍 574 E. Mission Rd., Suite G-2, San Marcos, CA 92069

🗓 Saturday, July 11

⏰ 11 AM–3 PM

Then, when the curtain rises this December, you’ll recognize some of the incredible craftsmanship that helped bring the magic to life. If you’re planning your holiday tradition early, now is the perfect time—The Nutcracker tickets are 20% off through July 31 with code XMASNJULY when purchased through our internal box office.

SanDiegoArts

✨ Some traditions never go out of style.For 55 years, San Diegans have made the journey to the Civic Theatre each holida...
07/09/2026

✨ Some traditions never go out of style.

For 55 years, San Diegans have made the journey to the Civic Theatre each holiday season to experience the magic of The Nutcracker. Since 1971, generations of families have laughed, dreamed, and made memories together at this beloved holiday tradition—and we're honored to continue that legacy.

To celebrate this milestone, we're bringing a little holiday magic to the middle of summer. 🎄☀️

🎁 Christmas in July is here!

Enjoy 20% OFF The Nutcracker with code XMASNJULY through July 31 when you purchase through our internal box office.

This season is extra special, with the addition of family- and sensory-friendly matinee performances so even more San Diego families can experience the wonder of live ballet.

And this is just the beginning...

Over the next several weeks, we'll be taking you behind the curtain with stories, memories, and exclusive behind-the-scenes moments celebrating the artistry that brings the biggest Nutcracker in the county to life every December.

Here's to 55 years of holiday magic—and to making new memories together. ❤️

🎟️ Use code XMASNJULY at the link in our bio through July 31 to save 20%.

Six months ago, this guy that looks like Tony Hawk dropped into our Nutcracker. 🛹🧑‍🩰🎄In honor of National Skateboard Day...
06/22/2026

Six months ago, this guy that looks like Tony Hawk dropped into our Nutcracker. 🛹🧑‍🩰🎄

In honor of National Skateboard Day, we’re throwing it back to one of the coolest guest appearances in ballet history.

Tony isn’t currently on the call sheet for 2026 (not yet anyways 😏), but tickets for this year’s Nutcracker are already on sale - and our Early Bird Special is live now!

🛹 Don’t bail on the best seats.
🎟️ Save 20% for a limited time at the link in our bio.

One thing’s for sure - at Golden State Ballet, we always have something unexpected hidden up our sleeves. Get your tickets early so you don’t miss a single step.🩰

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6338 Riverdale Street
San Diego, CA
92120

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