Magical toy soldiers, sparkling fairies, mischievous mice, and all the enchanting inhabitants of E.T.A. Hoffmann's whimsical world descend upon Costa Mesa's Segerstrom Hall this December for the new Southern California tradition of ballet master and ABT Artist in Residence Alexei Ratmansky's exhilarating imagining of The Nutcracker.

Seen by millions of dance fans worldwide, Ballet Folklorico de Mexico has traveled to more than 60 countries and regularly garners rave reviews with every new show they produce. The oldest celebrated dance company in Mexico, Ballet Folklorico was founded in 1952 by Amalia Hernandez, as her own personal ambition to rescue the 60+ dancing traditions of Mexico. They have created more than 40 productions since then, each highlighting the historical and cultural importance of Mexico's different regions.

The American Ballet Theatre presents Christopher Wheeldon's ballet adaptation of William Shakespeare's A Winter's Tale for the first time in the US! Originally published in 1623, The Winter's Tale is one of William Shakespeare's later pieces. It's a story of love, jealousy, redemption and the importance of truly nurturing the the different types of affection humans have for eachother.

One of history's most beloved ballets, Tchaikovsky's classic romantic tale is a delight to behold. A supernatural love story between a dashing Prince and a cursed Princess, it continues to capture imaginations of ballet goers of all ages, a century and a half after its debut. Don't miss this production from Miami City Ballet, featuring all of the ingredients that make Swan Lake unmissable but stunningly re-imagined by choreographer Alexei Ratmansky.