previous  < California Nutcrackers   The California Ballet Nutcracker features guest performances by some of the world finest artists on stage. All you can do is simply marvel at the level of talent. The Nutcracker has enjoyed four decades as the top holiday performance in San Diego. With the San Diego Symphony accompaniment and Music Director John Stubbs, California Ballet Company's Nutcracker is the must-see. Spectacular costumes, powerful music, and amazing talent with some of the most athletic, artistic ballet talent on the planet, this is the sort of performance you'd see on television. In fact, it has been broadcast on TV! In 2007 the California Ballet Company featured Principal Dancers Jennifer Curry, Cassandra Lund and international guests artists Vadim Solomakha, Vitaliy Nechay and Gennadi Saveliev. Patrons to the annual performance are normally provided an opportunity to meet the cast at Sugar Plum Parties in the Grand Salon after daytime performances.   The California Ballet Company is a creative force in San Diego, no doubt. But to try to put into words the impact and support this institute experiences would be difficult to summarize. From presenting performances to cancer patients, to broadcasts of The Nutcracker on public television nationally, there are many good reasons it excels and stands out among California dance academies and schools. NO, it isn't just the fact that they named it the California Ballet Company.   A look at its staff shows a wealth of talent, all with experience on stage. But as young dancers come and go, there's a shining star that stands tall in San Diego--founder and director, Maxine Mahon. Growing one of the largest academies of professional dance in California with over 800 students in four locations, she has created a reputation both locally in San Diego and internationally. Taking silver and gold medals in International Ballet Competitions, Mahon has also won numerous awards for choreography and costume design. In San Diego she is best known for outreach programs, receiving an Exemplary Arts in Education Grant from the California Arts Council to provide on-site performances, curriculum materials and a variety of opportunities for children and young adults.   If a picture tells a thousand words, the courtesy photos above show a caliber of ballet performers that are some of the best.  In fact, each December The Nutcracker (pictured above), features guest appearances from top artists from around the globe.  While San Diego is known for its beaches and vacations, it is also known for ballet. The Nutcracker performance by the California Ballet Company is one of the best picks for the holiday season.     Location: San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Avenue, San Diego, 92101 (with the San Diego Symphony)   Tickets: Box Office 858-560-6741 or Civic Box Office 619-570-1100   Schedule: The Nutcracker normally has one of the longest schedules in California, a three-week performance schedule and generally begins around the first week in December. (check web site for current information). californiaballet.org.   Getting there: San Diego is served by the San Diego Airport, Amtrak train, and Interstate Highway 5.   Where to stay: Located next to Horton Plaza in downtown San Diego, there are many excellent hotel options. Some of our favorites include: the new Hard Rock Hotel ; Hilton Gaslamp ; Horton Grand Hotel ; and Westin Horton Plaza.   Having fun: When visiting and attending the Nutcracker performance, be sure to take in the holiday treat, Skating by The Sea. Other popular fun includes a visit to the San Diego Zoo, or Sea World.     calsite