By Molly Given<\/p>\n
Philadelphia\u2019s holiday<\/a> arts calendar wouldn\u2019t be complete without ‘The Nutcracker’, and this season brings everything from traditional ballet to bold new interpretations.<\/p>\n Philadelphia Ballet<\/p>\n Perhaps the most well-known of ‘The Nutcracker’ performances in the city, the Philadelphia Ballet’s rendition of the classic show is playing at the Kimmel Center of the Performing Arts through Dec. 31. The Ballet\u2019s production features more than 170 dancers and students, brought together by the talent of the Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra. Set to Tchaikovsky\u2019s score, George Balanchine\u2019s ‘The Nutcracker\u2019 tickets start around $29. More information can be found online.<\/p>\n 240 S Broad St., philadelphiaballet.org<\/a><\/p>\n One-Man Nutcracker<\/p>\n If you’re looking for a unique way to check out the classic tale in Philly,<\/a> award-winning actor and writer Chris Davis has the show for you. His one-man Nutcracker is running through Jan. 5 at The Proscenium Theatre at The Drake, and tickets are currently on sale ($35 general, $15 student\/industry\/child) with a few special dates to look out for. Saturday, Dec. 20 (1 p.m.) for one will feature a new way to experience the show, dubbed \u2018One Man Dancing, Two Men Talking.\u2019<\/p>\n According to a release, with this show in particular, the experience will feature a special talkback with Dr. Jason Karlawish, a University of Pennsylvania physician, researcher, and author in addition to the performance. Karlawish will be taking a look at how dance can awaken long-held memories and create new ones through shared experiences.<\/p>\n Otherwise, anyone who heads to the show will see Davis take on the role of\u2014well, every character\u2014plus MK Tuomanen stepping in as director and Campbell Tosney as choreographer. The show description also notes that this performance is suitable for ages 7 and over. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.<\/p>\n 302 S Hicks St, eventbrite.com<\/a><\/p>\n Chocolate Ballerina Company<\/p>\n The all-Black \u2018Nutcracker: Dipped in Chocolate\u2019 from the Chocolate Ballerina Company is in its fifth year, and will play at Drexel University\u2019s Mandell Theatre for one weekend (Dec. 20-21). Show times are 1:30 and 7 p.m. on both days.<\/p>\n Founded in 2017 by Chanel Holland-Pierre, Chocolate Ballerina Company engages underserved communities through dance, to inspire and instill a sense of hope, discipline, and confidence through training and through professional development. The company offers free dance classes, outreach programs, pop-up performances, masterclasses, and more, both digitally and in-person.<\/p>\n For its fifth anniversary, \u00a0this unique production celebrates diversity in ballet, offering a vibrant and inclusive reinterpretation of the classic \u2018Nutcracker’, infused with Black culture through music, movement, and storytelling. Tickets (various prices) are available online via Eventbrite.<\/p>\n