Tony Hawk to Skate on Stage in San Diego Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’

San Diego’s streets have long been a playground for Tony Hawk, the world’s most famous skateboarder, but this weekend he’s taking his board to a place most people never imagined—ballet. The Golden State Ballet has invited the skateboarding legend to appear in its annual holiday production of “The Nutcracker,” and the event is scheduled for Saturday night at the San Diego Civic Theater in downtown. The show will open at 7:30 p.m., and Hawk’s appearance will be the sole highlight of that evening’s performance. Fans of both skating and dance will have a unique opportunity to see the legend glide across the stage in a new context.

The Golden State Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” runs from December 12 through December 21, offering a series of performances that showcase the company’s talent. Hawk will only appear in the Saturday show, making his participation a one-night-only event. The Civic Theater, located in downtown San Diego, will host the performance, providing a central venue for the city’s cultural community. Ticket buyers for the Saturday evening will experience a blend of classical ballet and unexpected skateboarding flair.

During this holiday season, the ballet company aims to bring the magic of “The Nutcracker” to audiences across the region. The inclusion of a celebrity guest is intended to draw attention to the production and to the company’s ongoing artistic endeavors. The show’s schedule, spanning ten days, allows for multiple opportunities for audiences to attend.

Hawk’s involvement is limited to a single performance, emphasizing the special nature of the collaboration. The company’s announcement made it clear that the skateboarding legend will not appear in any other shows during the run. This exclusivity adds to the event’s allure, encouraging ticket sales for the Saturday evening. The one-night-only performance underscores the unique partnership between sport and art.

According to the ballet company, the collaboration originated from an invitation that the Golden State Ballet sent, which they described as ‘somewhat zany.’ The invitation was a creative approach to bring a different kind of star to the stage. It was the unexpected nature of the request that intrigued Hawk. The invitation set the stage for the partnership that would culminate in the Saturday performance.

Hawk’s daughter, who has a passion for musical theater, played a pivotal role in encouraging her father to accept the invitation. Her enthusiasm for the performing arts helped persuade him to say ‘yes.’ The family’s connection to the arts provided a personal link to the ballet company’s vision. This familial encouragement added a human element to the collaboration.

Golden State Ballet Artistic Director Raúl Salamanca said, “Tony’s participation celebrates what makes San Diego special – a community where a skateboarding legend and a ballet company can come together to create something memorable. We’re thrilled to welcome him to our stage!” The director’s words highlight the city’s cultural diversity. Salamanca’s statement reflects the company’s excitement about the collaboration. His quote underscores the significance of the event for the local arts community.

The ballet company hopes that Hawk’s one-night-only performance will help sell tickets for the Saturday show. In addition, the company aims to raise awareness of the region’s premiere ballet company. The collaboration is also expected to generate revenue that will benefit the organization. The performance is a strategic effort to combine entertainment with fundraising for the arts.

Alongside the San Diego engagement, American skateboarding icon Tony Hawk is currently in Paris to cheer on Team USA and celebrate the sport being elevated on the world stage. His presence in Paris demonstrates his ongoing involvement in international skateboarding events. The trip to Paris occurs concurrently with his appearance in San Diego. This global engagement showcases Hawk’s versatility beyond the skateboarding arena.

• Tony Hawk will skate in the Golden State Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the San Diego Civic Theater.
• The appearance is a one-night-only event during the ballet’s December 12‑21 run.
• The collaboration stemmed from a ‘somewhat zany’ invitation and was encouraged by Hawk’s daughter, a musical theater enthusiast.

This unprecedented partnership between a skateboarding legend and a ballet company illustrates the power of cross‑disciplinary collaboration. San Diego’s cultural scene is set to witness a historic moment as Tony Hawk brings his signature style to the stage of the Golden State Ballet. The event promises to be a memorable highlight of the holiday season, blending athleticism, artistry, and community spirit.