Meredith Ventura's
The Nutcracker Sweet
A Holiday Classic with a Contemporary Twist
December 3–6, 2026 | Center Stage Theater | Santa Barbara, CA
Sugar, spice, and a little holiday mischief.
This holiday season, forget everything you think you know about The Nutcracker.
Meredith Ventura brings a deliciously irreverent twist to the beloved holiday classic with The Nutcracker Sweet, an intimate, immersive dance experience that blends classical ballet, contemporary dance, theatrical comedy, and a healthy dose of holiday chaos.
When a holiday party gets out of hand, spoiled Clara, her frat-boy brother Fritz, and their delightfully dysfunctional friends find themselves swept into a world where nothing is quite as sweet as it seems. From a battle of the brats and bros to a fantastical journey through a reimagined Land of Sweets, this is The Nutcracker like you've never seen it before.
The Nutcracker Sweet combines Tchaikovsky's iconic score with unexpected musical selections, inventive choreography, and playful storytelling that celebrates – and lovingly subverts – the traditions of the season.
More Than a Performance. A Holiday Experience.
Step inside a holiday celebration where the line between audience and performance begins to disappear.
Inspired by the intimacy and theatricality of immersive ballet, The Nutcracker Sweet invites audiences to experience the magic up close. With interactive moments, festive treats, and specialty cocktails designed to complement the performance, every detail brings a little extra sweetness to the evening.
Whether you're a lifelong ballet lover or simply looking for a holiday outing that's anything but ordinary, The Nutcracker Sweet offers a fresh, funny, and festive way to celebrate the season.
A little naughty. A little nice. Entirely unforgettable.
Performance Information
December 3–6, 2026
Center Stage Theater
751 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, CA
Choreography and Direction: Meredith Ventura
Presented by: Selah Dance Collective
Seating is limited for this intimate holiday experience. Reserve your tickets early!
About the Artists
Meredith Ventura is a choreographer, educator, and scholar whose work bridges classical and contemporary dance, theatrical storytelling, and interdisciplinary performance. As Artistic Director of Selah Dance Collective and Novus Contemporary Ballet, she creates original works that challenge conventions, explore the complexities of human experience, and invite audiences to encounter dance in unexpected ways.
Novus Contemporary Ballet is dedicated to reimagining the possibilities of ballet through innovative choreography, bold theatricality, and contemporary perspectives. Together with Selah Dance Collective, Novus brings adventurous, accessible dance experiences to Santa Barbara audiences and beyond.We align technical insight with disciplined execution to provide measurable gains across operational, financial, and strategic domains.