The Nutcracker. Clara. Mouse King. Sugarplum Fairies. Golden State Ballet announces their annual holiday production of “The Nutcracker” at the San Diego Civic Theatre, Dec. 12-21. And in what may be the most unexpected cultural crossover of the holiday season, skateboarding legend and San Diego native Tony Hawk will make his stage debut in Golden State Ballet’s Saturday, Dec. 20 production at 7:30 p.m.
The collaboration came about through an unlikely connection: Golden State Ballet sent what they describe as a ‘somewhat zany’ invitation, and Hawk’s daughter – who is passionate about musical theatre – encouraged him to say “yes.”
The appearance represents a unique moment where San Diego’s skateboarding culture meets the city’s classical arts tradition. Golden State Ballet, founded in 2021, has become the region’s premier professional ballet company, presenting full-length classical productions with live orchestral accompaniment. The company’s annual Nutcracker has restored San Diego’s cherished holiday tradition and inspired audiences young and old with talent and holiday magic.
Artistic Director Raúl Salamanca added: “Tony’s participation celebrates what makes San Diego special – a community where a skateboarding legend and a ballet company can come together to create something memorable. We’re thrilled to welcome him to our stage!”
Golden State Ballet’s production features the San Diego Symphony, performing Tchaikovsky’s iconic score live – not recorded – as dancers bring Salamanca’s choreography to life across nine performances, December 12-21.
The Dec. 20 7:30 p.m. performance has generated significant interest since the announcement earlier this week, with tickets selling quickly for Hawk’s one-night-only appearance. The production continues Golden State Ballet’s mission of making world-class ballet accessible to San Diego audiences while maintaining the highest artistic standards.
PERFORMANCE DETAILS:
What: The Nutcracker at the San Diego Civic Theatre
When: Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. (with Tony Hawk)
Full run: Dec. 12-21, 2025
Where: San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Tickets: Starting at $43, available at goldenstateballet.org
Special Offer: Me+3 Family Deal – Buy 3 tickets, get the 4th free (all performances)
About Tony Hawk:
Tony Hawk was just nine-years old when his brother gave him his first skateboard. By fourteen he’d turned pro, and by sixteen he was widely considered the best skateboarder on earth. In 1999, he became the first skater to ever complete a 900, and shortly thereafter, launched Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, his now billion-dollar video game franchise. The Hawk empire includes Birdhouse Skateboards, Hawk Clothing, and the Tony Hawk Signature Series products, as well as his production company, 900 Films. In 2022, a biographical documentary film titled “Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Fall Off” by award-winning director Sam Jones debuted on HBO, giving an in-depth look at Tony’s legendary career and personal life. Tony founded the The Skatepark Project, which helps underserved communities create safe and inclusive skateparks for youth.
About Golden State Ballet:
Golden State Ballet is San Diego’s professional ballet company, founded in 2021 by Artistic Director Raúl Salamanca. The company presents full-length classical ballets with live orchestral accompaniment, championing excellence in dance while making ballet accessible to diverse audiences. Golden State Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker has become San Diego’s premier holiday tradition, featuring the San Diego Symphony performing Tchaikovsky’s score live.
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