WINTER FANTASY 2026

Your Winter Fantasy info hub.

WINTER FANTASY PERFORMER SHIRTS
PRE-ORDER DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 6

All Red Shirt performers are required to wear an approved Winter Fantasy Performer Shirt for their performance.

PRE-ORDER A SHIRT HERE →

WINTER FANtasy 2026

STAGE LIGHT. HOLIDAY MAGIC!

Saturday, December 19, 2026

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

8281 Walker St, La Palma, CA 90623

Winter Fantasy returns this December for one festive day of performances celebrating our dancers and the magic of the holiday season!

Throughout the day, the Winter Fantasy stage will feature five Red Shirt performance blocks, three casts of Clara’s Dream: Impact Dance Center’s Nutcracker, and two performances of Swingin’ at Club Sweets: Nutcracker Untapped.

Each class or production will be assigned a specific performance time, with breaks between performances allowing families to come and go throughout the day. Dancers will also have their own designated check-in and dismissal times, so performers only need to be backstage for their assigned portion of the event.

One day. Ten performances. All the Winter Fantasy magic.

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH WINTER FANTASY OPPORTUNITIES MY DANCER IS PARTICIPATING IN?

Click below to find your dancer’s assigned performance block or invitational production. Each performance block has its own dancer check-in and performance time, so please review your dancer’s specific assignment carefully.

Winter Fantasy includes three different performance opportunities: Red Shirt Dances, Clara’s Dream, and Club Sweets. Participation works differently for each:

  • Red Shirt Dances: Eligible classes participate automatically unless a family submitted the Winter Fantasy Opt-Out Form by the October 1 deadline.

  • Clara’s Dream: Participation is based on eligible Ballet classes and production assignments. Families must opt in and enroll in their dancer’s assigned role.

  • Club Sweets: Participation is based on eligible Tap classes and production assignments. Families must opt in and enroll in their dancer’s assigned role.

Some dancers may participate in more than one Winter Fantasy opportunity or even more than one performance during the day.

“RED SHIRT” PERFORMANCE BLOCKS

Our beginning-level “Red Shirt” dances are a treasured part of Winter Fantasy, giving every young dancer the chance to shine on stage. This year, class performances will be grouped into five festive performance blocks throughout the day, with each class assigned a specific block and performance time. These numbers are rehearsed right in weekly classes… no extra practices needed! Performing is a joyful way for students to grow, gain confidence, and celebrate their progress, and we encourage all dancers to take part in the fun.

All eligible dancers are automatically included unless an opt-out form is submitted by the participation deadline.

invitation-only PRODUCTIONS

Click the production images above to explore each show in more detail.

Winter Fantasy also includes two beloved invitation-only productions: Clara’s Dream: Impact Dance Center’s Nutcracker and Swingin’ at Club Sweets: Nutcracker Untapped. Ensemble choreography for these productions is introduced in regular classes, with a few extra rehearsals scheduled to bring each production to life on stage.

Dancers wishing to participate should confirm by enrolling online through their studio account. Production fees cover rehearsal time, costume rentals, lighting, props, theater space, cast T-shirts, the media day sitting fee (photos sold separately), and a digital video download of the performance.

By participating in Winter Fantasy, you agree that all performers will be dismissed at the conclusion of their assigned performance block or invitational production. For safety and to ensure a smooth dismissal process, we cannot accommodate early pick-ups or exceptions.

Thank you for adhering to this policy and helping us keep all children safe.

WINTER FANTASY “RED SHIRT” PERFORMANCE PACKAGE

$45 per student

The Winter Fantasy Performance Package includes backstage staffing, a digital download of the performance video, and access to a lobby photo experience. The fee will be applied to participating student accounts and processed on the scheduled processing date. Performance Package payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Processing Date: Thursday, October 15

WINTER FANTASY PERFORMER SHIRT

$35 PER SHIRT plus tax

A Winter Fantasy performer shirt is required for Red Shirt performers. If your dancer already owns an approved Winter Fantasy shirt from a previous year, you do not need to purchase a new one. Dancers participating exclusively in Clara’s Dream or Club Sweets do not need a Red Shirt performance tee.

Order by Friday, November 6th to guarantee availability.

CAN’T JOIN US THIS YEAR?

Winter Fantasy is a special opportunity for dancers to celebrate their progress, gain confidence, and experience the joy of performing. We hope every dancer can join us, but we understand that December schedules can be busy.

If your dancer is unable to participate, please complete the opt-out form by Thursday, October 1st at 11:59 PM so your account can be updated before Performance Package charges are processed.

Important Dates

PERFORMANCE ADMISSION

Join us for Winter Fantasy on Saturday, December 19, at Kennedy High School Performing Arts Center. Celebrate your dancer, enjoy our Class Showcases, and experience Clara’s Dream and Club Sweets, all with one admission wristband.

Come to cheer for your dancer, stay for the holiday magic!

ADMISSION WRISTBAND • $25

Includes admission to all Winter Fantasy performances on Saturday, December 19.

General seating is first come, first served. Your wristband allows you to leave and return throughout the day. If a performance is underway when you return, our Front of House team will assist you with theater entry.

$25 + $2.85 online ticket fee per person

Participating performers do not need an admission wristband. Children ages 2 and under may attend without a wristband when sitting on an adult’s lap. Children who need their own seat require a wristband.

WANT TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT?

Add a reserved seat in the first two rows for the performance of your choice.

Reserved Seating Upgrade • $10 + $2.10 online ticket fee per person, per performance

Only 50 reserved seats are available for each performance. You may purchase upgrades for one or more performances.

Each reserved seating upgrade requires an admission wristband. Your wristband covers the day; your upgrade reserves a seat for one specific performance.

HOW TO PURCHASE

Sales open Friday, October 16, at 10:00 AM.

  1. Check your dancer’s assigned performance time(s).

  2. Purchase one All-Day Admission Wristband for each audience member who requires admission.

  3. Optional: Add a Reserved Seating Upgrade for each person and performance you’d like.

  4. Wear your wristband throughout the day for entry and reentry.

PLANNING YOUR DAY

  • Winter Fantasy includes Class Showcases, featuring dances prepared in weekly classes, plus our special productions, Clara’s Dream and Club Sweets.

  • Each Class Showcase and production has its own dancer check-in, performance, and dismissal times. Follow your dancer’s assigned schedule, including all performances if they are participating in more than one.

  • Dancers ages 11 and under must be checked out by an adult between performances unless they are performing in consecutive blocks. If your dancer has a break between performance blocks, they remain in their adult’s care until their next scheduled check-in.

  • Your wristband opens the door to a full day of holiday magic. Stay to cheer on more dancers, enjoy our special productions, and find a little holiday inspiration along the way!

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

  • Follow the attire instructions for your dancer’s performance. Class Showcase dancers wear their red Winter Fantasy shirts.

  • Photography and videography are not permitted during performances.

  • All admission and reserved seating purchases are final and non-refundable.

event location

Saturday, December 19, 2026
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
8281 Walker St, La Palma, CA 90623

Frequently Asked Questions

PERFORMANCE DAY GUIDES Coming Soon!

Everything You Need to Know

Get ready for a smooth, stress-free Winter Fantasy! Each performance has its own Performance Day Guide with the details your family needs for December 19, including:

  • Performance Lineup: See the complete running order for your performance.

  • Check-In + Dismissal: Know when and where your dancer should arrive and where to meet them afterward.

  • Costume Details: Double-check attire, shoes, and anything your dancer needs to bring.

  • Hair + Makeup: Review performance-ready requirements before arriving.

Choose your dancer’s performance to view their guide.

PLAN YOUR ARRIVAL

Free parking is available in the Kennedy High School campus lots. Parking may be busiest between performances, so please allow extra time.

  • Audience: Plan to arrive 20–30 minutes before your performance.

  • Performers: Follow your dancer's assigned check-in time and allow additional time for parking and walking to the theater.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

Show your admission wristband when entering the theater lobby. Once inside, you can visit concessions and merchandise or wait for your performance. If another performance is underway, our Front of House team will help you know when to enter the theater.

ACCESSIBILITY

Accessible parking, routes, restrooms + seating options are available at the venue. Guests who need accessibility assistance may check in at the Box Office or with a Front of House team member upon arrival, and our team will help direct you.

If you have a specific accessibility need you'd like us to know about in advance, please contact the Impact Dance Center office before performance day.