A welcome respite from holiday stressors, Nutcracker ballet 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), Nutcracker season 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.
American Ballet Theatre. Photo by Doug Gifford
Even folk who think they don’t 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 Los Angeles Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Long Beach Ballet, Inland Pacific Ballet, and State Street Ballet. Inventive riffs on the tradition include Debbie Allen’s Chocolate Nutcracker, American Contemporary Ballet’s abbreviated “suite,” and several condensed versions for younger children.
New York City Ballet’s Mira Nadon guesting with Inland Pacific Ballet’s “Nutcrcker.” Photo by Erin Baiano
A new professional entry is LA-based The 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.
The Grand Ballet. Photo courtesy of the artists
Several professional touring productions are in town, including Talmi Productions, Classical Arts Entertainment, and World Ballet. They all appear to have recorded music and some of the higher ticket prices. Classical Arts Entertainment’s website has dancer biographies. The other two provide only vague descriptions of ‘international ballet stars.” Caveat emptor.
A number of notable SoCal ballet academies including Westside Ballet, Festival Ballet, and Pacific Festival Ballet showcase 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.
Westside Ballet. Photo by Todd Lechtick..
Never discount the charm of a local ballet school’s budding ballerinas and danseurs. The young dancers’ 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.
What follows is a regional sorting to facilitate finding a nearby Nutcracker. 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.
Apologies for any omissions. Let us know, so next year’s round up is even more comprehensive.
Metro Los Angeles
*A new version may be coming from current artistic director Melissa Barak in the next few years, but for now the Los Angeles Ballet returns with the version set in 1912 Los Angeles and choreographed by LAB’s founding artistic directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary. The production has entertained audiences since LAB opened in December 2006. 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. Los Angeles Ballet
Hollywood Ballet’s Tigran Sargsyan. Photo by Reed Hutchinson
*A new entry, The 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’s students. Hollywood High Theater, 1521 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood; Sun., Dec. 21, noon & 5 pm, $20-$50; youth performance on Sat., Dec. 20, 3 pm, $30. The Grand Ballet
*Offering a 75-minute chamber version set inside a snow globe, American Contemporary Ballet brings The Nutcracker Suite. Dancers 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. American Contemporary Ballet
American Contemporary Ballet – Waltz of the Flowers in Lincoln Jones’s “The Nutcracker Suite” – Photo by Anastasia Petukhova
*Fifty years ago, Yvonne Mounsey and Rosemary Valaire, the late founders of the admired training company Westside Ballet, created a Victorian Christmas card version of the Nutcracker. For the opening weekend, New York City Ballet’s 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. https://westsideballet.tix.com.
*Marat Daukayev Ballet Theatre and School A former star of Russia’s 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. https://theater.maratdaukayev.org/nutcracker-performances/
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet. Photo courtesy of the Artists
*For two decades, this company toured its Great Russian Nutcracker under 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 Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet, and performs as Talmi Entertainment at 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, Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Also at La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada; Sun., Dec. 21, 1:30 & 6:30 pm, La Mirada Theatre. Also at The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; Sat., Dec. 20, noon, 4 & 8 pm. $30-$212. The Wiltern
Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley
*Pasadena Dance Theatre Last year, this well-regarded training company presented a new version of Nutcracker choreographed 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. Pasadena Dance Theatre
Pasadena Dance Theatre. Photo courtesy of the artists
*Talmi Entertainment at Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena; Sat., Nov. 22, 3 & 7 pm, $37-$167.55, Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Also at La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada; Sun., Dec. 21, 1:30 & 6:30 pm, La Mirada Theatre. Also at The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; Sat., Dec. 20, noon, 4 & 8 pm. $30-$212. The Wiltern
*Another touring company bringing its Nutcracker to two SoCal venues, shed its original name, Russian Ballet Theater in early 2022 in support of Ukraine and is now World Ballet. Its website has scant information on the choreographer or dancers. Music is recorded. Balboa Theater, 868 4th Ave., San Diego Civic Theater, Sat., Dec. 6, 6 pm, Sun., Dec. 7, 2 pm, $47.40-$121.40. World Ballet. Also at the Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Thurs.-Fri., Dec. 11-12, 7 pm, $45.90-$147.45. https://www.thealex.com/shows
World Ballet Series. Photo courtesy of the artists
*While their classical technique may leave a bit to be desired, the puppet dancers of the beloved Bob Baker’s Marionette Theatre return with their hour-long, family-friendly Nutcracker. A seasonal favorite since 1969, this intimate venue is a perfect place to be ‘up close and personal’ 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. Bob Baker’s Marionette Theatre
Bob Baker’s Marionette Theatre – The Nutcracker – Photo by Winona Bechtle.
*Degas Dance Studio at the Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sun., Dec. 14, 5 pm $54.03-$54.15. Degas Dance Studio
*Red Chair Children’s Production Company, abbreviated version at the Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sat., Dec. 6, 1 & 6 pm, Sun., Dec. 7, 2 pm, $12.01-$80. https://www.thealex.com/shows
*LA Unbound stages its Nutcracker Unbound alternate years. Watch this space in 2026.
South Bay & Long Beach
*Now celebrating 43 years, artistic director David Wilcox’ version of the Nutcracker for Long Beach Ballet has 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. https://longbeachnutcracker.com/
Long Beach Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” – Photo by Katie Ging courtesy of Long Beach Ballet
*Taking her distinctive approach to the classic, Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker is 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. Hot Chocolate Nutcracker
Debbie Allen’s “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker.” Photo courtesy of the company
*Palos Verdes Ballet at Norris Theatre, 27570 Norris Center Dr., Rolling Hills Estates; Sat., Dec. 20, 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 21, 1 & 5 pm, $45-$60, $40 children. Palos Verdes Ballet
*Classical Ballet Theatre at Norris Theatre, 27570 Norris Center Dr., Rolling Hills Estates; Sun., Dec. 7, 2:30 & 6 pm, $34, $28 children. Classical Ballet Theatre
*San Pedro City Ballet The studio where American Ballet Theatre’s 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. San Pedro City Ballet
San Pedro City Ballet. Photo courtesy of the artists
*Peninsula School of the Performing Arts at 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). PSPA
*Launch Dance Center at El Segundo Performing Arts Center,640 Main St., El Segundo; Sat., Dec. 5, 6 pm, Sun., Dec. 6, 2 pm, $27.50-$32.50. https://www.launchdancecenter.com/
*Southern California Dance Theater at Lakewood High School, 4400 Briarcrest Ave., Lakewood; Sat., Dec. 20, 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 21, 2 pm, $27.50. https://socaliforniadancetheatre.simpletix.com/
*Dance! To Your Hearts Delight, Inc. Downey Civic Theater, 8435 Firestone Blvd., Downey; Sat., Dec. 20, 2 & 6:30 pm, Sun., Dec. 21, 2 pm, $33-$55. https://www.downeytheatre.org/
Orange County
*Under artistic director Susan Jaffe, American Ballet Theatre is 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’s interpretation of the Nutcracker with 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), Léa 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, Joseph Markey (12/21, 11:30 am), Jarod Curley (12/13, 2 pm) and de la Nuez. With the many divertissements, Nutcracker is a perfect way to get to know a broad swath of the company. Again this year, top ticket price “sweet seats” 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 & 4:30 pm, $32.77-$282.50. American Ballet Theatre
American Ballet Theatre. Photo by Marty Sohl
*Talmi Entertainment at La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada; Sun., Dec. 21, 1:30 & 6:30 pm, La Mirada Theatre. Also at The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; Sat., Dec. 20, noon, 4 & 8 pm. $30-$212. The Wiltern. Also at Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena; Sat., Nov. 22, 3 & 7 pm, $37-$167.55, Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
*Professional guest artists join more than 100 students from the highly respected Southland Ballet Academy in Festival Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker from artistic director Salwa Rizkalla. Announced guest stars include San Francisco Ballet’s Katherine Barkman and Esteban Hernandez (12/6-7), New York City Ballet’s Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia (12/13-14), Tyler Donatelli from Houston Ballet with Angelo Greco (12/20-21), and Joffrey Ballet’s 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. https://www.festivalballet.org/
*Anaheim Ballet is 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. Anaheim Ballet
Anaheim Ballet. Photo courtesy of the artists
*Ballet Repertory Theatre at 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. Ballet Repertory Theatre
*Coast City Ballet at Huntington Beach Historic Theater, 1905 Main St., Huntington Beach; Sat, Dec. 20, 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 21, 2 pm, $30. Coast City Ballet
*Nouveau Chamber Ballet at Fullerton College Campus Theatre, 321 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 21-22, 2 pm, $25-$35. https://nouveauchamberballet.com/
*Ballet Etudes at Huntington Beach Historic Theater, 1905 Main St., Huntington Beach; Sat., Dec. 6, 2 & 7 pm, $37.75-$48.25. Ballet Etudes
*Laguna Ballet at 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. https://www.lagunadancetheatre.com/
San Fernando Valley
*California Dance Ensemble – 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. California Dance ensemble
*Santa Clarita Ballet at 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. https://www.santaclaritaballet.net/ .
Santa Clarita Ballet. Photo courtesy of the artists
*Antelope Valley Ballet – Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 W. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster; Sat., Dec. 13, 2 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 14, 2 pm, $20-$38. Antelope Valley Ballet
Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties
*Celebrating its 30th season, Santa Barbara’s professional ballet company, State Street Ballet, brings its Nutcracker choreographed by Rodney Gustafson. Live music is provided by the Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra. The company’s 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. State Street Ballet
State Street Ballet. Photo courtesy of the artists.
*Santa Barbara Festival Ballet at the Arlington Theater, 1317 State St., Santa Barbara; Sat., Dec. 13, 2:30 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 15, 2:30 pm, $52.90. https://santabarbarafestivalballet.com/buy-nutcracker-tickets
*Pacific Festival Ballet Company The 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. https://bapacthousandoaks.com/show-details/pacificfestivalnutcracker
*Ventura County Ballet with 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. http://venturacountyballet.com/.
Moorpark Civic Ballet at 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
*California Contemporary Ballet joins the New West Symphony for Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite with 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. California Contemporary Ballet. Also at Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center, 4235 Mar Vista Dr., Camarillo; Sun., Dec. 7, 3 pm, $40-$134. California Contemporary Ballet-Camarillo
*Protégé Performing Arts at 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. Protege Performing Arts
San Diego County
*City Ballet of San Diego with City Ballet Orchestra at 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. City Ballet of San Diego
City Ballet of San Diego. Photo courtesy of the artists
*World Ballet at Balboa 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. World Ballet. Also at the Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Thurs.-Fri., Dec. 11-12, 7 pm, $45.90-$147.45. https://www.thealex.com/shows
*San Diego Ballet – 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. https://sandiegoballet.org/the-nutcracker/
*Golden State Ballet at 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. Golden State Ballet
*West Coast Dance & San Elijo Dance & Music Academy at California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; Sun., Dec. 14-15, 2 pm, $48-$78. https://artcenter.org/event/west-coast-ballet-san-elijo-dance-and-music-academy-presents-the-nutcracker/
*Classical Arts Entertainment boasts 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. Classical Arts Entertainment
*Dance Academy Del Mar at California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; Sat., Dec. 6, 1 & 6 pm. $48-$78. Dance Academy Del Mar
*San Elijo Ballet & West Coast Dance Complex at California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; Sun., Dec. 7, 6 pm, $54-$84. West Coast Dance Complex
San Bernardino/Riverside Counties
*With performances at two venues, Inland Pacific Ballet is arguably the most significant production in the Inland Empire. IPB’s professional dancers are joined by 62 students mostly from IPB’s respected ballet academy. Guest artists include Lori Hernández partnered by ABT’s Peter Walker (12/13-140 and IPB alum and New York City principal Mira Nadon with NYCB’s Peter Walker (12/20-21). Bridges Auditorium, 450 N. College Way, Claremont; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 13-14, noon & 4 pm, $39-$101. 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. https://ipballet.org/.
Inland Pacific Ballet. Photo by E.Y. Yanagi
*Riverside Ballet Arts brings David Allan’s Nutcracker with 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. Riverside Ballet Arts
*Inland Empire Contemporary Ballet at 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. Inland Empire Contemporary Ballet
*Lake Arrowhead Classical Ballet Company at 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. Lake Arrowhead Classical Ballet
Written by Ann Haskins for LA Dance Chronicle and Cultural Daily.
Featured image: Los Angeles Ballet – photo by Reed Hutchinson
