HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — Families can get an early start on the holiday season Saturday, when Ballet Etudes hosts its annual Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party at the Senior Center in Central Park.
The event will feature two sessions, from noon to 2 p.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., at the Senior Center in Central Park, 18041 Goldenwest St.
Guests will be welcomed into a festive setting decorated with "The Nutcracker"-themed tables and costumed ballerinas.
The afternoon will include warm tea, finger sandwiches and sweet treats, along with a special performance by the Sugar Plum Fairy and a playful battle featuring the Rat King.
Families can also participate in holiday crafts, games and photo opportunities with dancers dressed as characters from the classic ballet.
Planned craft activities include fairy dusting and decorating Nutcracker ornaments.
The event is designed for guests of all ages, and attendees are encouraged to dress in their fanciest outfits for the occasion.
Doors for the first session open at 11:30 a.m., while doors for the second session open at 3 p.m.
Tickets are required for both sessions, and organizers encourage families to reserve their seats early because the event typically sells out.
Free parking is available at the Senior Center in Central Park.
The tea party is organized by Ballet Etudes, a nonprofit dance organization that provides performance opportunities for young dancers and promotes ballet throughout the Huntington Beach community.
The organization also presents an annual production of "The Nutcracker," featuring local dancers and professional guest artists.
This year's production is scheduled for Dec. 5-13, giving families another opportunity to experience the holiday ballet tradition.
Tickets for the tea party are sold through Eventbrite, with separate registration pages for each session. All ticket sales are final, according to the event listings.
For tickets and additional information, visit the following pages:
Additional information about Ballet Etudes and its upcoming performances is available at balletetudes.com.
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