{"id":62387,"date":"2025-11-20T18:23:17","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T18:23:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/62387\/"},"modified":"2025-11-20T18:23:17","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T18:23:17","slug":"release-the-nutcrackers-l-a-dance-chronicle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/62387\/","title":{"rendered":"Release the Nutcrackers! | L.A. Dance Chronicle"},"content":{"rendered":"

A welcome respite from holiday stressors,\u00a0Nutcracker\u00a0ballet season arrives with a bumper crop of enchanted princes, Sugar Plum Fairies, waltzing flowers, fierce rodents, and twirling snowflakes. From professional companies to local dance studios (including a number with professional guests in the leads),\u00a0Nutcracker\u00a0season begins this week and twirls across SoCal stages through December. With productions from Santa Barbara to San Diego, Long Beach to the Inland Empire, and almost everywhere in between, this holiday tradition can be enjoyed without straying too far from home.<\/p>\n

\"American<\/p>\n

American Ballet Theatre. Photo by Doug Gifford<\/p>\n

\u00a0
Even folk who think they don\u2019t like ballet find it hard to resist the beguiling pull of the exquisite Tchaikovsky score and the nostalgic holiday celebration that is the setting for a magical journey. The professional options with live orchestras include\u00a0Los Angeles Ballet,\u00a0American Ballet Theatre, Long Beach Ballet, Inland Pacific Ballet, and\u00a0State Street Ballet. Inventive riffs on the tradition include\u00a0Debbie Allen\u2019s\u00a0Chocolate Nutcracker,\u00a0American Contemporary Ballet\u2019s abbreviated \u201csuite,\u201d and several condensed versions for younger children.<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

New York City Ballet\u2019s Mira Nadon guesting with Inland Pacific Ballet\u2019s \u201cNutcrcker.\u201d Photo by Erin Baiano<\/p>\n

\u00a0
A new professional entry is LA-based\u00a0The Grand Ballet, affiliated with The Grand Ballet Academy, a noted Vaganova school. The professional production offers two Sunday shows with dancers that include alumni from Hollywood Ballet. Saturday showcases ballet academy students.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The Grand Ballet. Photo courtesy of the artists<\/p>\n

\u00a0
Several professional touring productions are in town, including\u00a0Talmi Productions, Classical Arts Entertainment,\u00a0and\u00a0World Ballet.\u00a0They all appear to have recorded music and some of the higher ticket prices. Classical Arts Entertainment\u2019s website has dancer biographies. The other two provide only vague descriptions of \u2018international ballet stars.\u201d\u00a0 Caveat emptor.<\/p>\n

A number of notable SoCal ballet academies including\u00a0Westside Ballet, Festival Ballet,\u00a0and\u00a0Pacific Festival Ballet\u00a0showcase blooming pre-professional dancers augmented with professional guest artists as Sugar Plum and her Cavalier. New York City Ballet principals Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia are announced guest artists at all three.<\/p>\n

\"Westside<\/p>\n

Westside Ballet. Photo by Todd Lechtick..<\/p>\n

\u00a0
Never discount the charm of a local ballet school\u2019s budding ballerinas and danseurs. The young dancers\u2019 delight and the generally affordable tickets make these a family-friendly choice, especially for youngers who might adore the Act I festive party and the battle with the mice, but start to fidget as Act II unfolds with less story and more dancing.<\/p>\n

What follows is a regional sorting to facilitate finding a nearby\u00a0Nutcracker. When purchasing tickets, check if there are additional fees on top of the ticket price, and also check for student, children, seniors and military discounts.<\/p>\n

Apologies for any omissions.\u00a0 Let us know, so next year\u2019s round up is even more comprehensive.<\/p>\n

Metro Los Angeles<\/p>\n

*A new version may be coming from current artistic director Melissa Barak in the next few years, but for now the\u00a0Los Angeles Ballet\u00a0returns with the version set in 1912 Los Angeles and\u00a0choreographed by LAB\u2019s founding artistic directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary. The production has entertained audiences since LAB opened in December\u00a0 2006.\u00a0 UCLA Royce Hall, 10745 Dickson Ct., Westwood; Fri., Dec. 12, 7:30 pm, Sat., Dec. 13, 2 & 7:30 pm, Sun., Dec. 14, 2 pm, $44-$137. Also at the Dolby Theatre (with the Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra), Hollywood & Highland, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; Fri., Dec. 19, 7:30 pm, Sat.-Sun., Dec. 20-21, 2 & 7:30 pm, Tues., Dec. 23, 2 & 7:30 pm, Wed., Dec. 24, 2 pm, Fri.-Sat., Dec. 26-27, 2 & 7:30 pm, Sun., Dec. 28, 2 pm, $65-$161.\u00a0Los Angeles Ballet<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Hollywood<\/p>\n

Hollywood Ballet\u2019s Tigran Sargsyan. Photo by Reed Hutchinson<\/p>\n

\u00a0
*A new entry,\u00a0The Grand Ballet, is affiliated with The Grand Ballet Academy. The two professional shows on Sunday includes recent additions formerly with Hollywood Ballet. The Saturday show spotlights the academy\u2019s students.\u00a0Hollywood High Theater, 1521 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood; Sun., Dec. 21, noon & 5 pm, $20-$50; youth performance on Sat., Dec. 20, 3 pm, $30.\u00a0\u00a0The Grand Ballet<\/a><\/p>\n

*Offering a 75-minute chamber version set inside a snow globe,\u00a0American Contemporary Ballet\u00a0brings\u00a0The Nutcracker Suite.\u00a0Dancers include several excellent Los Angeles Ballet alums. The choreography is by ACB artistic director Lincoln Jones and there is live music. American Contemporary Ballet Studios, Bank of America Plaza, 333 S. Hope St., Suite C-150, downtown; opens Sat., Nov. 29, 2 & 5 pm, then Thurs.-Fri., 8 pm, Sat.-Sun., 2 & 5 pm, thru Sun. Dec. 21, then Tues., Dec. 23, 8 pm, Wed., Dec. 24, 1 pm, $75-$135.\u00a0American Contemporary Ballet<\/a><\/p>\n

\"American<\/p>\n

American Contemporary Ballet \u2013 Waltz of the Flowers in Lincoln Jones\u2019s \u201cThe Nutcracker Suite\u201d \u2013 Photo by Anastasia Petukhova<\/p>\n

\u00a0
*Fifty years ago, Yvonne Mounsey and Rosemary Valaire, the late founders of the admired training company\u00a0Westside Ballet, created a Victorian Christmas card version of the\u00a0Nutcracker.\u00a0For the opening weekend, New York City Ballet\u2019s Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia share the stage with student dancers. The Santa Monica College Symphony provides live music. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica; Sat.-Sun., Nov. 29-30 & Dec. 6-7, 1 & 5 pm, Fri., Dec. 5, 7 pm, $66.50.\u00a0\u00a0https:\/\/westsideballet.tix.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

*Marat Daukayev Ballet Theatre and School\u00a0\u00a0A former star of Russia\u2019s Kirov (now Mariinsky) Ballet, Marat Daukayev choreographed, directs and stars as the mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer with students from his ballet academy. Luckman Fine Arts Complex, 5151 State University Dr., East L.A.; Sat., Dec. 6, 2 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 7, 11:30 & 4:30 pm, $55-$65.\u00a0https:\/\/theater.maratdaukayev.org\/nutcracker-performances\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Nutcracker!<\/p>\n

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet. Photo courtesy of the Artists<\/p>\n

\u00a0
*For two decades, this company toured its\u00a0Great Russian Nutcracker\u00a0under the moniker Moscow Ballet. With a name change perhaps prompted by an effort to distance itself from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, this company now offers\u00a0Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet,\u00a0and performs as\u00a0Talmi Entertainment\u00a0at several SoCal venues with recorded music and professionals described as veteran professionals and international ballet competition winners. Efforts to find out more were unsuccessful. Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena; Sat., Nov. 22, 3 & 7 pm, $37-$167.55,\u00a0Pasadena Civic Auditorium<\/a>. Also at La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada; Sun., Dec. 21, 1:30 & 6:30 pm,\u00a0La Mirada Theatre<\/a>. Also at The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; Sat., Dec. 20, noon, 4 & 8 pm. $30-$212.\u00a0The Wiltern<\/a><\/p>\n

Pasadena\/San Gabriel Valley<\/p>\n

*Pasadena Dance Theatre\u00a0Last year, this well-regarded training company presented a new version of\u00a0Nutcracker\u00a0choreographed by Jessamyn Vedro for the PDT students. Artistic director Ashleigh Doede oversees with guest artists Elise Holmes and Lester Gonzalez augmenting the student dancers. San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, 320 Mission Dr., San Gabriel; Fri.-Sat., Dec. 20-21 7:30 pm, Sat., Dec. 20, 2 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 21, noon & 5 pm, $28-$79.\u00a0Pasadena Dance Theatre<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Pasadena<\/p>\n

Pasadena Dance Theatre. Photo courtesy of the artists<\/p>\n

\u00a0
*Talmi Entertainment\u00a0at Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena; Sat., Nov. 22, 3 & 7 pm, $37-$167.55,\u00a0Pasadena Civic Auditorium<\/a>. Also at La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada; Sun., Dec. 21, 1:30 & 6:30 pm,\u00a0La Mirada Theatre<\/a>. Also at The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; Sat., Dec. 20, noon, 4 & 8 pm. $30-$212.\u00a0The Wiltern<\/a><\/p>\n

*Another touring company bringing its\u00a0Nutcracker\u00a0to two SoCal venues,\u00a0shed its original name,\u00a0Russian Ballet Theater\u00a0in early 2022 in support of Ukraine and is now\u00a0World Ballet. Its website has scant information on the choreographer or dancers. Music is recorded.\u00a0Balboa Theater, 868 4th Ave., San Diego Civic Theater, Sat., Dec. 6, 6 pm, Sun., Dec. 7, 2 pm, $47.40-$121.40.\u00a0World Ballet<\/a>. Also at the Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Thurs.-Fri., Dec. 11-12, 7 pm, $45.90-$147.45.\u00a0https:\/\/www.thealex.com\/shows<\/a><\/p>\n

\"World<\/p>\n

World Ballet Series. Photo courtesy of the artists<\/p>\n

\u00a0
*While their classical technique may leave a bit to be desired, the puppet dancers of the beloved\u00a0Bob Baker\u2019s Marionette Theatre\u00a0return with their hour-long, family-friendly\u00a0Nutcracker.\u00a0A seasonal favorite since 1969, this intimate venue is a perfect place to be \u2018up close and personal\u2019 as the ballet comes to life in 50 (yes, 50!) shows. Sierra Madre Theatre, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre; opens Sat., Nov. 29, 10:30 am, 1:30 & 4:30 pm, then Tues.-Sun., multiple shows each day, thru Sun., Jan. 4, $25.\u00a0Bob Baker\u2019s Marionette Theatre<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Bob<\/p>\n

Bob Baker\u2019s Marionette Theatre \u2013 The Nutcracker \u2013 Photo by Winona Bechtle.<\/p>\n

\u00a0
*Degas Dance Studio\u00a0at the Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sun., Dec. 14, 5 pm $54.03-$54.15.\u00a0Degas Dance Studio<\/a><\/p>\n

*Red Chair Children\u2019s Production Company, abbreviated version\u00a0at the Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sat., Dec. 6, 1 & 6 pm, Sun., Dec. 7, 2 pm, $12.01-$80.\u00a0https:\/\/www.thealex.com\/shows<\/a><\/p>\n

*LA Unbound\u00a0stages its\u00a0Nutcracker Unbound\u00a0alternate years. Watch this space in 2026.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

South Bay & Long Beach<\/p>\n

*Now celebrating 43 years, artistic director David Wilcox\u2019 version of the\u00a0Nutcracker\u00a0for\u00a0Long Beach Ballet\u00a0has delighted audiences with sets designed by Disney scenic designers. It has acquired an array of polished special effects that include a live horse, performers who fly and perform magic. The production boasts a full symphony orchestra, with two harps, as Tchaikovsky intended in his score. Professional guest artists fill the leads joined by students from the affiliated ballet school for a total of 250 dancers during the run. Terrace Theatre, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach; Sat., Dec. 13 & 20, 2 & 7:30 pm, Sun., Dec. 14 & 21, 2 pm, $38-$145.\u00a0https:\/\/longbeachnutcracker.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Long<\/p>\n

Long Beach Ballet\u2019s \u201cThe Nutcracker\u201d \u2013 Photo by Katie Ging courtesy of Long Beach Ballet<\/p>\n

*Taking her distinctive approach to the classic,\u00a0Debbie Allen\u2019s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker\u00a0is 90 minutes filled with new music, magic, contemporary dance, and even aerial artists. Professional actors\/dancers are backed by students from the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach; Thurs., Dec. 4, 7:30, Fri., Dec. 5 & 12, 7:30 pm, Sat., Dec. 6 & 13, 2 & 7:30 pm, Sun., Dec. 14, 2 pm, $54.59-$149.99.\u00a0Hot Chocolate Nutcracker<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Debbie<\/p>\n

Debbie Allen\u2019s \u201cHot Chocolate Nutcracker.\u201d Photo courtesy of the company<\/p>\n

\u00a0
*Palos Verdes Ballet\u00a0at Norris Theatre, 27570 Norris Center Dr., Rolling Hills Estates; Sat., Dec. 20, 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 21, 1 & 5 pm, $45-$60, $40 children.\u00a0\u00a0Palos Verdes Ballet<\/a><\/p>\n

*Classical Ballet Theatre\u00a0at Norris Theatre, 27570 Norris Center Dr., Rolling Hills Estates; Sun., Dec. 7, 2:30 & 6 pm, $34, $28 children.\u00a0Classical Ballet Theatre<\/a><\/p>\n

*San Pedro City Ballet\u00a0The studio where American Ballet Theatre\u2019s Misty Copeland trained showcases its current students. at Torrance Civic Center, 3330 Civic Center Dr., Torrance; Fri., Dec. 12, 7:30 pm, Sat., Dec. 13, 2 & 7:30 pm, Sun., Dec. 14, 2 pm, $45.\u00a0San Pedro City Ballet<\/a><\/p>\n

\"San<\/p>\n

San Pedro City Ballet. Photo courtesy of the artists<\/p>\n

*Peninsula School of the Performing Arts\u00a0at Palos Verdes Performing Arts Center, Norris Theatre, 27570 Norris Center Dr., Rolling Hills; Fri., Nov. 21, 7 pm, Sat., Nov. 22, 2 & 7 pm, Sun., Nov. 23, 4 pm, $50, $40 (w\/fees).\u00a0PSPA<\/a><\/p>\n

*Launch Dance Center\u00a0at El Segundo Performing Arts Center,640 Main St., El Segundo; Sat., Dec. 5, 6 pm, Sun., Dec. 6, 2 pm, $27.50-$32.50.\u00a0https:\/\/www.launchdancecenter.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

*Southern California Dance Theater\u00a0at Lakewood High School, 4400 Briarcrest Ave., Lakewood; Sat., Dec. 20, 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 21, 2 pm, $27.50.\u00a0\u00a0https:\/\/socaliforniadancetheatre.simpletix.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

*Dance! To Your Hearts Delight, Inc.\u00a0Downey Civic Theater, 8435 Firestone Blvd., Downey; Sat., Dec. 20, 2 & 6:30 pm, Sun., Dec. 21, 2 pm, $33-$55.\u00a0https:\/\/www.downeytheatre.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Orange County<\/p>\n

*Under artistic director Susan Jaffe,\u00a0American Ballet Theatre\u00a0is enjoying its stature as the official ballet company of this venue, further establishing SoCal as its second home outside of New York. ABT returns with two weeks of celebrated choreographer Alexei Ratmansky\u2019s interpretation of the\u00a0Nutcracker\u00a0with live music by the Pacific Symphony. Casting at the website reflects familiar and interesting new pairings in the leads. Those with two performances include Catherine Hurlin & Joseph Markey (12\/12, 7pm & 12\/31, 11:30 am), Skylar Brandt & Herman Cornejo (12\/16, 7pm & 12\/20, 2pm), Christine Shevchenko & Michael de la Nuez (12\/14, 5:30pm & 12\/17, 7pm), Le\u0301a Fleytoux & Jake Roxander (12\/18, 7 pm & 12\/21, 4:30 pm), SunMi Park with Calvin Royal III (12\/14, 11:30am) and with Daniel Camargo (12\/20, 7pm). Others with one show only include fast-rising Chloe Misseldine with Jarod Curley (12\/13, 2 pm). Those making their debut in the leads include Fleytoux, Roxander,\u00a0Joseph Markey (12\/21, 11:30 am), Jarod Curley (12\/13, 2 pm) and de la Nuez.\u00a0With the many divertissements,\u00a0Nutcracker\u00a0is a perfect way to get to know a broad swath of the company. Again this year, top ticket price \u201csweet seats\u201d include a tote bag with a cookie, chocolates, a keepsake ornament along with a prime seat. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa; Thurs.-Fri., Dec. 11-12 & 18-19, 7 pm, Sat. Dec. 13 & 20, 2 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 14, 11:30 & 5:30 pm, Tues.-Wed., Dec. 16-17, 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 21, 11:30 am\u00a0 & 4:30 pm, $32.77-$282.50.\u00a0American Ballet Theatre<\/a><\/p>\n

\"ABT<\/p>\n

American Ballet Theatre. Photo by Marty Sohl<\/p>\n

\u00a0
*Talmi Entertainment\u00a0at\u00a0La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada; Sun., Dec. 21, 1:30 & 6:30 pm,\u00a0La Mirada Theatre<\/a>. Also at The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; Sat., Dec. 20, noon, 4 & 8 pm. $30-$212.\u00a0The Wiltern<\/a>. Also at Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena; Sat., Nov. 22, 3 & 7 pm, $37-$167.55,\u00a0Pasadena Civic Auditorium<\/a>.<\/p>\n

*Professional guest artists join more than 100 students from the highly respected Southland Ballet Academy in\u00a0Festival Ballet Theatre\u2019s\u00a0Nutcracker\u00a0from artistic director Salwa Rizkalla.\u00a0Announced guest stars include San Francisco Ballet\u2019s Katherine Barkman and Esteban Hernandez (12\/6-7), New York City Ballet\u2019s Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia (12\/13-14), Tyler Donatelli from Houston Ballet with Angelo Greco (12\/20-21), and Joffrey Ballet\u2019s Jeraldine Mendoza and Dylan Gutierrez (12\/22-24). Check the website for specific guest performances. Irvine Barclay Theater, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine; Sat., Dec. 6, 2 pm, Sun., Dec. 7, 1 pm, Sat.-Sun., Dec. 13-14, 1 & 6 pm, Mon., Dec. 22, 6 pm, Tues., Dec. 23, 1 & 6 pm, Wed., Dec. 24, 11 am, $54-$74.\u00a0https:\/\/www.festivalballet.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n

*Anaheim Ballet\u00a0is another respected training company. Led by Sarma Lapenieks Rosenberg, this production celebrates its 39th anniversary at The Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim; Fri, Nov. 28, 7 pm, Sat., Nov. 29, 2 & 7 pm, $31-$80.\u00a0Anaheim Ballet<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Anaheim<\/p>\n

Anaheim Ballet. Photo courtesy of the artists<\/p>\n

\u00a0
*Ballet Repertory Theatre\u00a0at Golden West College Mainstage Theater, 15751 Gothard St., Huntington Beach; Fri., Dec. 12 & 19, 7 pm, Sat., Dec. 13 & 20, 2 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 14 & 21, 12:30 & 5 pm, Mon.-Tues., Dec. 22-23 2 & 7 pm, Wed., Dec. 24, 12:30 pm, $30, 25 children\/students\/seniors.\u00a0\u00a0Ballet Repertory Theatre<\/a><\/p>\n

*Coast City Ballet\u00a0at Huntington Beach Historic Theater, 1905 Main St., Huntington Beach; Sat, Dec. 20, 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 21, 2 pm, $30.\u00a0Coast City Ballet<\/a><\/p>\n

*Nouveau Chamber Ballet\u00a0at Fullerton College Campus Theatre, 321 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 21-22, 2 pm, $25-$35.\u00a0https:\/\/nouveauchamberballet.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

*Ballet Etudes\u00a0at Huntington Beach Historic Theater, 1905 Main St., Huntington Beach; Sat., Dec. 6, 2 & 7 pm, $37.75-$48.25.\u00a0Ballet Etudes<\/a><\/p>\n

*Laguna Ballet\u00a0at San Juan Hills High School, 29211 Stallion Ridge, San Juan Capistrano; Sat., Dec. 20, 2 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 21, 1 & 6 pm, $38, $35 seniors & children under 12.\u00a0https:\/\/www.lagunadancetheatre.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

San Fernando Valley<\/p>\n

*California Dance Ensemble\u00a0\u2013 Smothers Theater, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu; Sat., Dec. 20, 2 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 21, 1 & 6 pm, $45-$50, $40-$45 children.\u00a0California Dance ensemble<\/a><\/p>\n

*Santa Clarita Ballet\u00a0at College of the Canyons, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita; Sat., Dec. 20, 1 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 21, 1 pm, $38-$48, $38 seniors & children 3-9 years.\u00a0https:\/\/www.santaclaritaballet.net\/<\/a>\u00a0.<\/p>\n

\"Santa<\/p>\n

Santa Clarita Ballet. Photo courtesy of the artists<\/p>\n

*Antelope Valley Ballet\u00a0\u2013 Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 W. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster; Sat., Dec. 13, 2 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 14, 2 pm, $20-$38.\u00a0Antelope Valley Ballet<\/a><\/p>\n

Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties<\/p>\n

*Celebrating its 30th season, Santa Barbara\u2019s professional ballet company,\u00a0State Street Ballet, brings its\u00a0Nutcracker\u00a0choreographed by Rodney Gustafson. Live music is provided by the Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra. The company\u2019s professional dancers are joined by students from the associated ballet school. Granada Theater, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara; Fri., Dec. 19, 6 pm, Sat., Dec. 20, 2 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 21, 2 pm, $30-$135.\u00a0State Street Ballet<\/a><\/p>\n

\"State<\/p>\n

State Street Ballet. Photo courtesy of the artists.<\/p>\n

\u00a0
*Santa Barbara Festival Ballet\u00a0at the Arlington Theater, 1317 State St., Santa Barbara; Sat., Dec. 13, 2:30 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 15, 2:30 pm, $52.90.\u00a0https:\/\/santabarbarafestivalballet.com\/buy-nutcracker-tickets<\/a><\/p>\n

*Pacific Festival Ballet Company\u00a0The pre-professional students of the resident ballet company of this venue are joined by New York City Ballet principal dancers Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia (except for Friday show) at Fred Kavli Theater, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks; Fri., Dec. 19, 7 pm, Sat.-Sun., Dec. 20-21, 2 & 7 pm, $43.10-$68.75.\u00a0https:\/\/bapacthousandoaks.com\/show-details\/pacificfestivalnutcracker<\/a><\/p>\n

*Ventura County Ballet\u00a0with the Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 6-7, 2 pm, $33.85-$65.87.\u00a0http:\/\/venturacountyballet.com\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Moorpark Civic Ballet\u00a0at Fred Kavli Theater, Bank of America, Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks; Wed., Dec. 10, 6:30 pm, $92-$120.Moorpark Civic Ballet<\/a><\/p>\n

*California Contemporary Ballet\u00a0joins the New West Symphony for\u00a0Duke Ellington\u2019s Nutcracker Suite\u00a0with choreography by Aerin Holt. At the Fred Kavli Theater, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks; Sat., Dec. 6, 7 pm, $48-$146.\u00a0California Contemporary Ballet<\/a>. Also at Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center, 4235 Mar Vista Dr., Camarillo; Sun., Dec. 7, 3 pm, $40-$134.\u00a0California Contemporary Ballet-Camarillo<\/a><\/p>\n

*Prot\u00e9g\u00e9\u00a0\u00a0Performing Arts\u00a0at Scherr Family Forum, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks; Sat., Dec. 5, 6:30 pm, Sun., Dec. 6, 2 & 6:30 pm, $51.50-$59.30.\u00a0Protege Performing Arts<\/a><\/p>\n

San Diego County<\/p>\n

*City Ballet of San Diego with City Ballet Orchestra\u00a0at California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 20-21 & Tues., Dec. 23, 2 & 7:30 pm, $42-$142.80.\u00a0City Ballet of San Diego<\/a><\/p>\n

\"City<\/p>\n

City Ballet of San Diego. Photo courtesy of the artists<\/p>\n

\u00a0
*World Ballet\u00a0at\u00a0Balboa Theater, 868 4th Ave., San Diego Civic Theater, Balboa Theater, 868 4th Ave., San Diego Civic Theater, Sat., Dec. 6, 6 pm, Sun., Dec. 7, 2 pm, $47.40-$121.40.\u00a0World Ballet<\/a>. Also at the Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Thurs.-Fri., Dec. 11-12, 7 pm, $45.90-$147.45.\u00a0https:\/\/www.thealex.com\/shows<\/a><\/p>\n

*San Diego Ballet\u00a0\u2013 The Magnolia, 210 E. Main St., El Cajon; Fri., Dec. 19, 7:30 pm, Sat., Dec. 20, 1 & 5 pm, Sun., Dec. 21, 1 pm. $46-$135.\u00a0https:\/\/sandiegoballet.org\/the-nutcracker\/<\/a><\/p>\n

*Golden State Ballet\u00a0at Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego; Fri., Dec. 12 & 19, 7:30, Sat., Dec. 13 & 20, 2:30 & 7:30 pm, Sun., Dec. 14, 1 pm, Sun., Dec. 21, 1 & 5 pm, $48.15-$199.\u00a0Golden State Ballet<\/a><\/p>\n

*West Coast Dance & San Elijo Dance & Music Academy\u00a0at California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; Sun., Dec. 14-15, 2 pm, $48-$78.\u00a0https:\/\/artcenter.org\/event\/west-coast-ballet-san-elijo-dance-and-music-academy-presents-the-nutcracker\/<\/a><\/p>\n

*Classical Arts Entertainment\u00a0boasts a roster of international ballet stars, many from Ukraine and other eastern European countries. At California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; Sun., Nov. 30, 2 pm, $54-$114.\u00a0Classical Arts Entertainment<\/a><\/p>\n

*Dance Academy Del Mar\u00a0at California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; Sat., Dec. 6, 1 & 6 pm. $48-$78.\u00a0Dance Academy Del Mar<\/a><\/p>\n

*San Elijo Ballet & West Coast Dance Complex\u00a0at\u00a0California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; Sun., Dec. 7, 6 pm, $54-$84.\u00a0West Coast Dance Complex<\/a><\/p>\n

San Bernardino\/Riverside Counties<\/p>\n

*With performances at two venues,\u00a0Inland Pacific Ballet\u00a0is arguably the most significant production\u00a0in the Inland Empire. IPB\u2019s professional dancers are joined by 62 students mostly from IPB\u2019s respected ballet academy. Guest artists include Lori Hern\u00e1ndez partnered by ABT\u2019s Peter Walker (12\/13-140 and IPB alum and New York City principal Mira Nadon with NYCB\u2019s Peter Walker (12\/20-21). Bridges Auditorium, 450 N. College Way, Claremont; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 13-14, noon & 4 pm, $39-$101.\u00a0 Also at Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; Sat., Dec. 20, 2 & 7:30 pm, Sun., Dec. 21, 7:30 pm, $41-$136.\u00a0https:\/\/ipballet.org\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Inland<\/p>\n

Inland Pacific Ballet. Photo by E.Y. Yanagi<\/p>\n

*Riverside Ballet Arts\u00a0brings\u00a0David Allan\u2019s Nutcracker\u00a0with Houston Ballet alums Melody Mennite and Skylar Campbell at Landis Performing Arts Center, Riverside City College, Sat., Dec. 13, 1 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 14, 1 pm, $42-$66.\u00a0Riverside Ballet Arts<\/a><\/p>\n

*Inland Empire Contemporary Ballet\u00a0at Yucaipa Performing Arts Center, 12062 California St., Yucaipa; Sat., Dec. 6, 7 pm, Sat., Dec. 7, 2 & 6 pm, Sun., Dec. 8, 4 pm, $29-$45.\u00a0Inland Empire Contemporary Ballet<\/a><\/p>\n

*Lake Arrowhead Classical Ballet Company\u00a0at San Manuel Performing Arts Theater, Aquinas High School, 2772 Sterling Ave., San Bernardino; Fri., Dec. 5, 7 pm, Sat., Dec. 6, 2:30 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 7, 2:30 pm, $25.\u00a0Lake Arrowhead Classical Ballet<\/a><\/p>\n

Written by Ann Haskins for LA Dance Chronicle and Cultural Daily<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Featured image:\u00a0 Los Angeles Ballet \u2013 photo by Reed Hutchinson<\/p>\n

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