Under the Artistic Direction of Ashleigh Doede with choreography by Jessamyn Vedro, this year’s staging blends timeless tradition with bold storytelling and theatrical wonder.

Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, Vedro’s interpretation follows Clara’s coming-of-age journey, through a vivid dreamscape where she travels the world, encountering dances from China, France, Ukraine, Egypt, Scotland, and Spain. Along the way, Clara learns to embrace courage, curiosity, and joy, transforming the beloved ballet into a story of empowerment, imagination, and discovery.

Leading roles will be performed by acclaimed artists Elise Holmes as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Lester Gonzalez as the Cavalier, alongside returning alumni and Conservatory dancers who embody Pasadena Dance Theatre’s ongoing legacy of excellence.