San Diego Ballet

Witness the art of ballet in its true, professional form when you experience ballet in San Diego. For the ballet season’s full schedule, visit in the Fall.
Jess Tucker
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
San Diego Ballet
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San Diego Ballet
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San Diego Ballet
Things to Do
Getting There
Tips

Experience the True Art Form of Ballet in San Diego

Polichinelles in the Nutcracker BalletAngeles in the Nutcracker Ballet

One of the many reasons to visit San Diego is its thriving year-round arts and theatre scene. The city is home not just one but three professional ballet companies and provides first-class venues for touring Broadway shows and plays to be performed in the city.

There's always something on offer to delight lovers of live performance, and that absolutely includes those that love the ballet!

Nutcracker Ballet
Nutcracker Ballet

Enhancing San Diego Through Ballet

The San Diego Ballet companies’ shared mission is to bring the best of classical and contemporary dance to a diverse audience and to share their love of this beautiful art form with the community.

To expand their audience, each company is continuing to challenge itself and its audience by presenting full programs of exciting works via several innovative media via zoom or at open-air pop-up venues and drive-ins.

Sample the magic of the ballet from the comfort of your own home - then come and experience the thrill of a live performance!

Sidewalk in the Gaslamp
Sidewalk in the Gaslamp

The Top Three San Diego Ballet Companies and Where to See Them

The natural homes of the companies, the San Diego Civic Theater, The Balboa Theatre, and California Center for the Arts, Escondido, are all located in the Downtown San Diego area near the historic Gaslamp Quarter.

This area of San Diego is very walkable and the perfect place for a stroll in the gentle evening air, to enjoy a pre-show drink or snack. After the performance, head out again to savor the atmosphere as the city's famous nightlife wakes up and round off your evening by savoring the fresh local delicacies in one of the area's top-quality restaurants.

Want to see more of the city? The San Diego Highlights Tour will bring you to Balboa Park, the Embarcadero, Coronado, and the famous beaches of La Jolla all on one guided tour! I think it’s the perfect pairing for an evening spent at the Ballet.

Main Lobby at the San Diego Art Museum
Main Lobby at the San Diego Art Museum

San Diego Ballet Company

Under the creative direction of choreographer Javier Valasquo, the San Diego Ballet Company or SDBC continues to present a vast range of innovative pieces, such as Panama 66, in exciting venues such as the Sculpture Garden of San Diego's Museum of Art. Their classical works, such as the Nutcracker, have become an indispensable part of San Diego's festive cultural offerings.

In keeping with SDBC's bold creativity tradition, past performances have even taken place at an outdoor pop-up drive-in auditorium, with guests bringing their chairs and food from nearby restaurants.

Entrance to the Balboa Theatre
Entrance to the Balboa Theatre

California Ballet

Founded in 1968, California Ballet is resident at the San Diego Civic Theater and Balboa Theatre. Its varied repertory comprises a diverse mixture of well-loved classics, newer 'narrative' ballets, and themed contemporary pieces.

Under the energetic and visionary leadership of Raul Salamanca, the California Ballet's new Artistic Director, and the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, the company continues to expand its range of top-quality performances.

Spreckels Theater Sign for the Nutcracker in Core Columbia, Downtown San Diego
Spreckels Theater Sign for the Nutcracker in Core Columbia, Downtown San Diego

City Ballet of San Diego

Under the direction of Steven and Elizabeth Wistrich, the City Ballet of San Diego continues its mission to present a wide range of pieces – from world premieres to a season of 'From the vault' ballets, which recapture the magic of much-loved past performances, many created and choreographed by Elizabeth Wistrich.

Never afraid to innovate, 2020 saw the City Ballet present their version of The Nutcracker online as well as live in the Concert in your Car series at the Del Mar Fairgrounds!

Performances were previously held in Spreckels Theatre, which is in the midst of renovations. You can now see the City Ballet at Balboa Theatre or the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.

Local Tips
Voted #1
San Diego Ballet has been voted #1 dance troupe by the reader’s poll of the San Diego Union/Tribune, and BestofSanDiego.com

How to Get Tickets for the Performances and Where to Stay Nearby

Check with each venue before purchasing tickets to ensure that each show time is correct, as schedules and prices can change without any warning.

Purchasing Tickets at Each Venue

The most straightforward option for buying tickets is checking the website of your venue of choice, but each venue offers alternate ways to contact the box office if needed.

  • San Diego Ballet Company: Call (619) 294-7378, or visit their website.
  • California Ballet ticket office: Call (858) 560-6741, or visit their website
  • City Ballet of San Diego Box Office: Call 858.272.8663, email tickets@cityballet.org, or visit their website

The Westgate Hotel from a Distance
The Westgate Hotel from a Distance

Where We Recommend Staying Nearby

A night at the ballet can feel like a classy event, so why not extend that same energy to your hotel stay? If you’re looking for somewhere elegant that will leave you feeling like a true connoisseur of the arts, we recommend The Westgate Hotel.

Not only does this hotel take design inspiration from the Palace of Versailles in France, its spa treatments and rooftop pool will let you live like true royalty. Plus you can even enjoy afternoon tea in the lobby!

Featured Hotel
The Westgate Hotel
The Westgate Hotel Lobby
Balboa Park
Balboa Park
Couples
Couples
Luxury
Luxury
4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars
Located in the historic Gaslamp Quarter of Downtown San Diego, The Westgate Hotel showers its discerning guests with luxury resort amenities and old-world charm.
Prices Starting at $169
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Enjoy the Full Season’s Programming in the Fall

Due to the demand in San Diego regarding ballet, it's possible to watch ballet productions of the highest quality all year-round in principle. In 2020, the San Diego Ballet launched an ambitious summer season, much of it being delivered online. The program also featured insights and previews of the Fall program.

In the Fall, when the weather in San Diego gets a touch cooler, San Diego's ballet's present their full season's program. They include the traditional festive interpretations of The Nutcracker, but other classical works with a San Diego twist, as well as contemporary offerings and world premieres. So, no matter your taste, you are almost sure to find a performance that will engage and enchant you.

Since each company is beginning to air broadcasts of their shows on online platforms, you can bring the Ballet home with you! Though of course, there is nothing like seeing Ballet up close and in person.

Nutcracker with Clara in the Nutcracker Ballet
Nutcracker with Clara in the Nutcracker Ballet

Major Past Performances

The San Diego Ballet Company's recent works have included 'Dances of Love and Laughter' created for Valentine's Day, as well as dreamy interpretations of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream and Voices of Spring, based on the opera Die Fledermaus.

Schedules are continuously changing and being updated with full details of what's available found on the ballet company’s websites or the websites of the venue where they perform.

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2-Day Hop-on Hop-off San Diego
Hop-on Hop-off San Diego Trolley
Using your Go City pass, grab a 2 day Hop-on Hop-off San Diego Trolley. The trolley tour takes you through all the most popular areas of San Diego. It's a great way to start your trip and you'll learn where everything around the city is located.
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How much can you save by using the Go City San Diego pass?

The Go City San Diego pass is the perfect way to explore more attractions and activities that the area has to offer, all while being cost-efficient.

With the Go City San Diego pass, you can save up to 55% off admission fees at some of the area’s most popular attractions.

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Performances for All Ages and Special Events

When you think of the performing arts, you might think of stuffy affairs and people dressed to the nines. While a night at the ballet is still a pretty classy thing to do, San Diego’s ballet scene is for everyone, with many event performances and kid-friendly shows throughout the year.

Beautifully Decorated Enchanted Village in Spring Valley
Beautifully Decorated Enchanted Village in Spring Valley

Holiday Special Performances

Holiday ballet shows are a time-honored tradition that draw families of native San Diegans as well as tourists in town during the winter months. Among the many ways to celebrate Christmas in San Diego, seeing the annual performance of The Nutcracker is one of our team’s favorites.

The Nutcracker is always a popular show, so we suggest buying your ticket early if you’re hoping to get a good seat. Performances usually take place during mid-December.

Dancing Stage in December Nights
Dancing Stage in December Nights

Kid-Friendly Shows

Are you visiting with your family? The California Ballet's kid-friendly repertoire isn’t limited to The Nutcracker.

Introduce them to the magic of dance via story-themed works, which have included Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty.

The Kids Play Room at the New Childrens Museum
The Kids Play Room at the New Childrens Museum

Bonus Tip: Exciting Activities & Attractions for Before or After a Performance

With so many venues so close to many of San Diego’s top museums and attractions, you might also consider pre-purchasing a Go City San Diego pass to make the most of your trip to see the ballet!

Museums like the The New Children’s Museum in the Gaslamp Quarter and the San Diego Natural History Museum – theNAT in Balboa Park are great for families, close-by and both part of the Go pass! Purchase it via our website using code GVSD5OFF and you can save even more!

More Things to Explore

San Diego Harbor Cruise
San Diego Harbor Cruise
$36 per person
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The World Famous San Diego Zoo
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
Discounts Available
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Balboa Park Scavenger Hunt
Balboa Park Scavenger Hunt
$44 per group
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Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Contemporary Art
Discounts Available
Learn More

Getting to the Venues and Other Visitor Information

Of the three venues currently hosting performances, only the California Center for the Arts, Escondido offers free on-site parking. Paid parking is available at Balboa Theatre and San Diego Civic Theatre within a 5-minute walk.

I Love the Electric Shuttles in San Diego
I Love the Electric Shuttles in San Diego

Use Public Transit

Depending on the venue, parking may be limited. One way to avoid wasting time trying to find somewhere to park - and sitting in the line to get out of the lot after the show - is to take advantage of San Diego’s public transit instead.

If you’re seeing a show in the downtown area, you can’t go wrong with the FRED Shuttle, an electric shuttle bus that you can request via an app on your phone. It’s cheap, convenient, and even eco-friendly!

How to Blend in at the Ballet

Seeing your first San Diego Ballet show? These tips will help you look like a regular and make your visit go as smoothly as possible.

City Ballet Nutcracker
City Ballet Nutcracker

It’s Best to Arrive Early

For theater performances, it is advisable to arrive 30-45 minutes before the curtain goes up. This will give you time to collect your tickets if needed, find your seat, and settle down to enjoy the show in comfort.

Out of consideration to other patrons and the performers, if you arrive late, you will not be permitted to enter the auditorium until a natural break in the performance. This could mean that you will miss a substantial part of the ballet.

Upscale Casual Is Best

There isn't any formal dress code – wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. Although it's fun to 'dress up' and create a sense of occasion, especially on opening nights and world premieres, most people tend to go for an 'upscale casual' look.

Be Considerate

For the enjoyment of all, and to ensure the excellent mood of the performance isn't broken, please refrain from using your mobile devices or rustling papers and candies.

Seems like a simple thing but surely it means a lot to the performers and other patrons alike!

End of Act 1 in the Nutcracker Ballet
End of Act 1 in the Nutcracker Ballet

Photos and Refreshments are Not Allowed

Photography and video recording are strictly forbidden unless otherwise noted.

It is usually not permitted to bring any food items into the auditorium. Bottled water only is allowed. There are several bars and concession stands around the theaters where you'll be able to purchase snacks.

For a pre- or post-performance meal, the top theaters in San Diego are all within walking distance of the many restaurants of San Diego's fabulous Gaslamp Quarter as well as the Core-Columbia neighborhood and even Embarcadero for some of the best food San Diego has to offer!

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Tours & Adventures
San Diego Harbor Cruise
San Diego Harbor Cruise
$36 per person
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The World Famous San Diego Zoo
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
Discounts Available
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