The Nuts Are Back!

From professional companies to local dance studios, the Nutcracker ballet fills stages across SoCal starting this week through December, and in numbers that mark an almost complete comeback from 2020, the year without Nutcrackers when Covid closed theaters, dance studios, and so much else. The last two years saw efforts to bring enchanted Nutcracker princes, Sugar Plum fairies, and waltzing flowers back to the stage although some companies and studios held off or presented only limited performances.  This year, confidence has returned for dancers and for audiences with announced 2023 Nutcracker performances in quantities returning to pre-Covid levels, and with at least one new professional company entering the fray with a new Nutcracker.

Even folk who think they don’t like ballet find it hard not to be beguiled by the exquisitely familiar Tchaikovsky score and the nostalgic holiday celebration that is the setting for a magical journey.  The newest Nutcracker marks the debut of Hollywood Ballet with former Los Angeles Ballet principal dancers Petra Conti and Tigran Sargsyan. Other professional options include Los Angeles Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Long Beach Ballet, Inland Pacific Ballet, and State Street Ballet. A number of SoCal training companies showcase pre-professional dancers, sometimes with professional guest artists. And never discount the charm of a local ballet school’s budding ballerinas and danseurs.  Also, there are inventive riffs on the tradition including Debbie Allen’s Chocolate Nutcracker, a South-Asian interpretation from Shakti School of Bharata Natyam, and chamber-sized versions from American Contemporary Ballet and Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre. With productions proliferating from Santa Clarita to San Pedro, Santa Barbara to San Diego, Huntington Beach to the Inland Empire, it’s possible to see a Nutcracker without straying far from the neighborhood to enjoy this holiday tradition. Check the individual websites for discounted tickets for students, children, seniors and/or military. The following round up starts with some of notable professional endeavors and then a regional sorting.  Apologies for any omissions.  Let us know, so next year’s round up is even more extensive.

 
The artistic directorship has moved from its founders Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary to current director Melissa Barak, but the Los Angeles Ballet’s Nutcracker remains the L.A. original that has drawn praise and happy audiences since its debut in 2006. Choreographed by Christensen and Neary, with set design by L.A. artist Catherine Kanner, LAB’s Nutcracker is set in 1912 Los Angeles. LAB continues to bring ballet to the audience with performances at theaters in Westwood, Redondo Beach, and Hollywood (with a live orchestra), and this year, in Pasadena. Info and tickets at https://www.LosAngelesBallet.org. Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena; Fri., Dec. 1, 8 pm, Sat, Dec., 2, 6 pm, Sun, Dec. 3, 2 pm, $38-$131. Also at UCLA Royce Hall, 10745 Dickson Ct., Westwood; Fri., Dec. 8, 8 pm, Sat., Dec. 9, noon & 5 pm, $38-$131. Also at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Redondo Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach; Fri., Dec. 15, 8 pm, Sat., Dec. 16, noon & 5 pm, Sun., Dec. 17, 2 pm, $38-131. Also at the Dolby Theatre (with the Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra), Hollywood & Highland, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; Thurs. Dec. 21, 7:30 pm, Fri.-Sat, Dec. 22-23, 2 & 7:30 pm, Sun., Dec. 24 & Tues., Dec. 26, 2 pm $45-$138. https://www.losangelesballet.org/the-nutcracker

Under new 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 a dozen performances of celebrated choreographer Alexei Ratmansky’s interpretation of the Nutcracker. Casting for the leads includes Devon Teuscher, Joo Won Ahn, Hee Seo, Daniel Camargo, Catherine Hurlin, Aran Bell, Skylar Brandt, Herman Cornejo, Christine Shevchenko, Thomas Forster, Isabella Boylston, James Whiteside, Cassandra Trenary, Calvin Royal III, SunMi Park, Cory Stearns. SoCal native and ABT principal dancer Misty Copeland is not among the casting this year. Casting for specific performances are at the website, but can change. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa; Fri., Dec. 8, Wed.-Fri., Dec. 13-15, 7 pm, Sat. Dec. 9 & 16, 2 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 10 & 17, 12:30 & 5:30 pm, $29-179. https://www.scfta.org/.

 
So Cal’s newest ballet company, Hollywood Ballet debuts its Nutcracker choreographed by Eris Nezha with live music from the Dream Orchestra led by Daniel Suk. Artistic directors Petra Conti and Nezha, principal dancer Tigran Sargsyan, soloists Madeline Hook and Brittany Rand are all alums of Los Angeles Ballet. This new venture includes dancers and guest artists from New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Britain’s Royal Ballet. JACCC Aratani Theatre, 244 San Pedro St., Little Tokyo; Fri.-Sat., Dec. 1-2, 7:30 pm, $63.20-$119. https://www.hollywoodballet.org/events

 
With performances at a trio of venues, Inland Pacific Ballet covers the Inland Empire with the chance to view choreographer Laurence Blake and artistic director Victoria Koenig’s Nutcracker. IPB’s professional dancers are joined by students mostly from IPB’s respected ballet academy. Guest artists include Mira Nadon and Peter Walker from New York City Ballet in Claremont while Oakland Ballet’s Lawrence Chen and Jazmine Quizada guest in Riverside. IPB is foregoing its popular Nutty Nutcracker this season, but promises a future return. Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Dr., Rancho Cucamonga; Sat., Dec. 2 & 9, 2 & 7:30 pm, Sun., Dec 3 & 10, 2 pm., $63-$91. Also at Bridges Auditorium, 450 N. College Way, Claremont; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 16-17, 2 pm, $37-$95.  Also at Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; Fri., Dec. 22, 7:30 pm, Sat., Dec. 23, 2 & 7:30 pm. $48-$152. https://ipballet.org/.

 
For 40 years, artistic director David Wilcox’ version of the Nutcracker for Long Beach Ballet has delighted audiences with sets designed by Disney scenic designers and acquired an array of special effects that include a live horse, performers fly and perform magic. Professional guest artists fill the leads joined by students from the affiliated ballet school. This year’s guest artists include Megan Wilcox from Dresden Ballet and So You Think You Can Dance winners Melissa Sandwig and Ade Obayomi. The production not only has a live orchestra, it boasts two harps as Tchaikovsky intended in his score. Terrace Theatre, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach; Sat., Dec. 16 & 23, 2 & 7:30 pm, Sun., Dec. 17, 2 pm, Fri. Dec. 22, 7:30 pm, $35-$125. https://longbeachnutcracker.com/

 
Another company with new artistic leadership, State Street Ballet’s Nutcracker arrives with Megan Philip recently elevated to artistic director and founder Rodney Gustafson shifting from artistic to executive director. Gustafson’s version of Nutcracker has live music by Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra and the company’s professional dancers are joined by students from the associated ballet school. Granada Theater, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara; Sat., Dec. 16, 3 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 3 pm, $26-$121.  https://ticketing.granadasb.org/18597/18608

 

For two decades, this company under the name Moscow Ballet toured its Great Russian Nutcracker. Perhaps in a too obvious effort to distance itself from to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, this company that once touted its Russian background, now calls its production Nutcracker! and performs as Talmi Entertainment at two SoCal venues. The cast of 40 includes veteran professionals along with international ballet competition winners. The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; Sun., Dec. 17, noon, 4 & 8 pm, $33-$253. Also at Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena; Wed., Dec. 20, 4 pm, $26-$103. https://nutcracker.com/tickets/

 
Another touring company coming to town with its Nutcracker, shed its original name, Russian Ballet Theater in early 2022 in support of Ukraine and is the now named World Ballet Series. Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Wed.-Thurs., Nov. 29-30, 7 pm, $32-$95. https://alextheatre.org/events. Also at Balboa Theater, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego; Sun., Dec. 3, 2 & 6 pm, $35-$95. https://sandiegotheatres.org/event/2023/12/world-ballet-series-nutcracker

 
Taking an untraditional but distinctively Debbie Allen approach to the classic, Allen’s 90-minute Hot Chocolate Nutcracker, is filled with new music and aerial artists. Professionals are backed by dancers from the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Redondo Beach; Thurs.-Thurs.-Sat., Dec. 7-9, 7:30 pm, Sat.-Sun., Dec. 9-10, 2 pm $60-$110. https://www.debbieallendanceacademy.com/hcnperformances

 
Another chamber version, The Nutcracker Suite is American Contemporary Ballet‘s one hour, immersive experience.  The story is set inside a snow globe and there is a Sugar Plum Fairy danced by Madeline Houk, Elise Kruger, or Sara Bukowski. The music is live. The choreography is by ACB artistic director Lincoln Jones. ACB Studios, Two California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave., Suite 2850, downtown; Sat.-Sun., Nov. 25-26, Dec. 2-3, Dec. 16-17, 2 & 5 pm, Fri. Dec. 1, 8 pm, Thurs.-Sat., Dec. 7-9, 8 pm, Sun., Dec. 10, 2 & 5 pm, Thurs.-Fri., Dec. 14-15, Dec. 21-22, 8 pm, Sat., Dec. 23, 2 & 5 pm, Sun., Dec. 24, 1 pm,$70-$140. https://www.acbdances.com.

Here’s where to find the Nutcracker throughout Southern California:

Metro Los Angeles

*Los Angeles Ballet – UCLA Royce Hall, 10745 Dickson Ct., Westwood; Fri., Dec. 8, 8 pm, Sat., Dec. 9, noon & 5 pm, $38-$131. Also at the Dolby Theatre (with the Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra), Hollywood & Highland, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; Thurs. Dec. 21, 7:30 pm, Fri.-Sat, Dec. 22-23, 2 & 7:30 pm, Sun., Dec. 24 & Tues., Dec. 26, 2 pm $45-$138. Also at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Redondo Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach; Fri., Dec. 15, 8 pm, Sat., Dec. 16, noon & 5 pm, Sun., Dec. 17, 2 pm, $38-131. https://www.losangelesballet.org/the-nutcracker

 
*American Contemporary Ballet with live music -ACB Studios, Two California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave., Suite 2850, downtown; Sat.-Sun., Nov. 25-26, Dec. 2-3, Dec. 16-17, 2 & 5 pm, Fri. Dec. 1, 8 pm, Thurs.-Sat., Dec. 7-9, 8 pm, Sun., Dec. 10, 2 & 5 pm, Thurs.-Fri., Dec. 14-15, Dec. 21-22, 8 pm, Sat., Dec. 23, 2 & 5 pm, Sun., Dec. 24, 1 pm, $70-$140. https://www.acbdances.com.

*Hollywood Ballet with the Dream Orchestra – JACCC Aratani Theatre, 244 San Pedro St., Little Tokyo; Fri.-Sat., Dec. 1-2, 7:30 pm, $63.20-$119. https://www.hollywoodballet.org/events

 
*Talmi Entertainment – The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; Sun., Dec. 17, noon, 4 & 8 pm, $33-$253. Also at Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena; Wed., Dec. 20, 4 pm, $26-$103. https://nutcracker.com/tickets/.

*Westside Ballet – Fifty years ago, Yvonne Mounsey and Rosemary Valaire, the late founders of this admired training company, created a Victorian Christmas card version in this Nutcracker. Professional guests including 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. 25-26 & Dec. 2-3, 1 & 5 pm,  $60.  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.; Fri., Dec. 8, 7 pm, Sat., Dec. 9, 2 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 10, 11:30 & 4:30 pm, $51-$82. https://theater.maratdaukayev.org/

Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley

*Los Angeles Ballet – Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena; Fri., Dec. 1, 8 pm, Sat, Dec., 2, 6 pm, Sun, Dec. 3, 2 pm, $38-$131. Also at UCLA Royce Hall, 10745 Dickson Ct., Westwood; Fri., Dec. 8, 8 pm, Sat., Dec. 9, noon & 5 pm, $38-$131. Also at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Redondo Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach; Fri., Dec. 15, 8 pm, Sat., Dec. 16, noon & 5 pm, Sun., Dec. 17, 2 pm, $38-131. Also at the Dolby Theatre (with the Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra), Hollywood & Highland, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; Thurs. Dec. 21, 7:30 pm, Fri.-Sat, Dec. 22-23, 2 & 7:30 pm, Sun., Dec. 24 & Tues., Dec. 26, 2 pm $45-$138. https://www.losangelesballet.org/the-nutcracker

*Talmi Entertainment – Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena; Wed., Dec. 20, 4 pm, $26-$103. https://nutcracker.com/tickets/

*Pasadena Dance Theatre – Last year, this well-regarded training company presented a new version of Nutcracker choreographed by Jessamyn Vedro for the PDT students. This year’s guest artists are Katherine Williams and Eric Tamm from American Ballet Theatre and Elise Holmes and Augusto Silva from San Jose Ballet. San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, 320 Mission Dr., San Gabriel; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 16-17, 2 pm, Fri., Dec. 22, 7 pm, Sat., Dec. 23, 1 pm, $25-$75. https://www.pdtnutcracker.com/

 
*World Ballet Series at Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Wed.-Thurs., Nov. 29-30, 7 pm, $32-$95. https://alextheatre.org/events

*Shakti School of Bharata Natyam and choreographer Fiji Prakash bring a South Asian perspective in Naatucracker-The Dancing Nut through this classical dance form from India. Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Thurs., Dec. 21, 7 pm, $25-$105. https://alextheatre.org/events

*Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre offers some Nutcracker and some Little Match Girl – Glendale Performing Arts Center, 1440 E. Broadway, Glendale; Sat., Dec. 9, 7:30 pm, Sun., Dec. 10, 3 pm, $35.88-$56.38. https://www.pbdtla.org/season-events

*Degas Dance Studio – Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sun., Nov. 26, 5 pm, $32-$120. https://alextheatre.org/events

*Red Chair Children’s Production Company – Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Fri., Dec. 8, 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 10, 1 & 5 pm, $7-$70. https://alextheatre.org/events

South Bay & Long Beach

*Long Beach Ballet with orchestra – Terrace Theatre, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach; Sat., Dec. 16 & 23, 2 & 7:30 pm, Sun., Dec. 17, 2 pm, Fri. Dec. 22, 7:30 pm, $35-$125. https://longbeachnutcracker.com/

 
*Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker – Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Redondo Beach; Thurs.-Thurs.-Sat., Dec. 7-9, 7:30 pm, Sat.-Sun., Dec. 9-10, 2 pm, $60-$110. https://www.debbieallendanceacademy.com/hcnperformances.

*Los Angeles Ballet – Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Redondo Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach; Fri., Dec. 15, 8 pm, Sat., Dec. 16, noon & 5 pm, Sun., Dec. 17, 2 pm, $38-131. Also at the Dolby Theatre (with the Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra), Hollywood & Highland, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; Thurs. Dec. 21, 7:30 pm, Fri.-Sat, Dec. 22-23, 2 & 7:30 pm, Sun., Dec. 24 & Tues., Dec. 26, 2 pm $45-$138. https://www.losangelesballet.org/the-nutcracker

 
*Ballet California (formerly South Bay Ballet) – The respected ballet academy brings its charming version to Marsee Auditorium. El Camino College Center for the Performing Arts, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 16 & 17, 2 pm, $36. https://www.balletcalifornia.org/the-nutcracker

*Palos Verdes Ballet – Norris Theatre, 27570 Norris Center Dr., Rolling Hills Estates; Sat., Dec. 2, 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 3, 1 & 5 pm, $43, $29 age 10 & under. https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=199767 

*Classical Ballet Theatre – Norris Theatre, 27570 Norris Center Dr., Rolling Hills Estates; Sun., Dec. 10, 2 pm, $25, $15 children under 12 years. https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=213246

*San Pedro City Ballet – The studio where American Ballet Theatre’s Misty Copeland trained showcases its current students. Warner Grand Theater, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro; Fri., Dec. 8, 7 pm, Sat., Dec. 9, 2 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 10, 2 pm, $35-$45. https://www.sanpedrocityballet.org/

 
*Launch Dance Center – Centinela Valley Center for the Arts, 14901 S. Inglewood Blvd., Lawndale; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 9-10, 2 pm, $23-$28 in advance.  https://tickets.shovation.com/ordertickets.asp?p=3198&src=eventperformances

*Southern California Dance Theater – Jordan High School, 6500 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach; Sat., Dec. 9, 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 10, 2 pm, $27.50.  https://www.simpletix.com/e/scdts-nutcracker-2023-tickets-145106

*Dance! To Your Hearts Delight, Inc. Downey Civic Theater, 8435 Firestone Blvd., Downey; Sat., Dec. 2, 2 & 6:30 pm, Sun., Dec. 3, 2 pm, $31-$53. https://www.downeytheatre.org/

San Fernando Valley

*California Dance Ensemble – Performing Arts Education Center, 2855 W. Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas; Sat., Dec. 16, 2 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 15, 1 & 5:30 pm, $25-$40. https://www.californiadanceensemble.org/ .

*Santa Clarita Ballet – College of the Canyons, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita; Sat., Dec. 16, 2 & 7:30 pm, Sun., Dec. 17, 2 pm, $38-$45. https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=scbci.

*Moorpark Civic Ballet – Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Fred Kavli Theater, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks; Sat., Dec. 9, 1:30 & 6:30 pm, $55-$65. https://www.moorparkballet.com/

 
*Antelope Valley Ballet – Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 W. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster; Sat., Dec. 9, 2 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 10, 2 pm, $25-$30. https://www.antelopevalleyballet.org/buy-tickets

*Protégé Performing Arts – Performing Arts Education Center, 2855 W. Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas; Sat., Dec. 9, 1 & 6 pm, $35-$40. https://ci.ovationtix.com/35610/production/1183748

*Ballet Elite – Performing Arts Education Center, 2855 W. Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas; Sat., Dec. 16, 2 & 7 pm, $22-$25. https://ci.ovationtix.com/35610/production/1183758

Orange County

*American Ballet Theatre with the Pacific Symphony – (Current casting for leads at http://scfta.org.). Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa; Fri., Dec. 8, Wed.-Fri., Dec. 13-15, 7 pm, Sat. Dec. 9 & 16, 2 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 10 & 17, 12:30 & 5:30 pm, $29-$179.  https://www.scfta.org/.

 
*Festival Ballet Theatre – More than 100 students from Southland Ballet Academy perform in this training company’s Nutcracker. Announced professional guest stars include San Francisco Ballet’s Sasha De Sola and Wei Wang, Joffrey Ballet’s Jeraldine Mendoza and Dylan Gutierrez, and New York City Ballet’s Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia, specific dates at https://www.festivalballet.org/. Irvine Barclay Theater, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine; Full performances on Sat., Dec. 9, 16, & 23, Sun., Dec 17 & Fri., Dec. 22, 1 & 6 pm, Sun., Dec. 10, 1 pm, Thurs., Dec. 21, 6 pm, Sun., Dec. 24, 11 am, $45-$115. Abridged version on Fri., Dec. 8, 9:30 & 11:30 am, $14-$24. http://www.theBarclay.org.

*Anaheim Ballet with Symphony Irvine – City National Grove, 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim; Fri., Nov. 24, 7 pm, Sat., Nov. 25, 2 &7 pm, $27-$65. https://www.AnaheimBallet.org, http://www.CityNationalGroveofAnaheim.com.

*Ballet Repertory Theatre – Golden West College Mainstage Theater, 15751 Gothard St., Huntington Beach; Sat., Dec. 9, 16 & 23, 2 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 10 & 17, 12:30 & 5 pm, Fri., Dec. 15 & Thurs., Dec. 21, 7 pm, Fri., Dec. 22, 2 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 24, 12:30 pm, $25-$30.http://www.gwctheater.com.

*Coast City Ballet – Huntington Beach Historic Theater, 1905 Main St., Huntington Beach; Fri.-Sat, Dec. 15-16, 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 17, 2 pm, $18-$28. http://www.coastcityballet.com.

*Nouveau Chamber Ballet – Fullerton College Campus Theatre, 321 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 16-17, 2 pm, $20-$30. https://nouveauchamberballet.com/

*Ballet Etudes – Golden West College Fusion Studio, 15751 Gothard St., Huntington Beach; Sat., Dec. 2, 6 p.m., $40. https://www.tututix.com/client/balletetudes.

*Laguna Ballet – Capistrano Valley High School, 26301 Via Escolar, Mission Viejo; Thurs.-Fri., Dec. 21-22, 7 pm, Sat., Dec. 23, 1 & 6 pm, $25-$29. https://www.lagunadancetheatre.com/

Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties

*State Street Ballet with Opera San Luis Obispo Orchestra – Granada Theater, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara; Sat., Dec. 16, 3 & 7:30 pm, Sun., Dec. 17, 7:30 pm, $38-$121, $26 children.  https://ticketing.granadasb.org/18597/18608

 
*Pacific Festival Ballet Company – The students of this resident ballet company of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza are joined by New York City Ballet principal dancers Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia. Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Fred Kavli Theater, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks; Sun., Dec. 17, 2 & 7 pm, $35-$57 https://bapacthousandoaks.com/show-details/pfbs-nutcracker

*Ventura County Ballet –The Canyon at Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard; Sat., Dec. 9, 2 & 5 pm, Sun., Dec. 10, 2 pm, $20-$50. http://venturacountyballet.com/.

*Moorpark Civic Ballet – Bank of America, Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks; Sat., Dec. 9, 1:30 & 6:30 p.m., $55-$65. Bank of America, Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks; https://bapacthousandoaks.com/show-details/moorpark-civic-ballet-the-nutcracker

*Santa Barbara Festival Ballet – Arlington Theater, 1317 State St., Santa Barbara; Sat., Dec. 9, 2:30 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 10, 2:30 pm, $30-$65. https://santabarbarafestivalballet.com/buy-nutcracker-tickets

San Diego County

*Golden State Ballet – Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego; Fri., Dec. 15 & Thurs.-Fri., Dec. 21-22, 7:30 pm, Sat., Dec. 16 & 23, 2:30 & 7:30 pm, Sun., Dec. 17, 1 & 5:30 pm, Sun., Dec. 24, 2 pm, $29-$129. https://sandiegotheatres.org/event/2023/12/golden-state-ballet-presents-nutcracker

*City Ballet of San Diego with City Ballet Orchestra– California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; Thurs., Dec. 21, 7:30 pm, Fri.-Sat., Dec. 22-23, 2 & 7:30 pm, $35-$119. https://cityballet.org/

 
*San Diego Ballet – The Magnolia, 210 E. Main St., El Cajon; Sat., Dec. 16, 1 & 5 pm, $45-$115. https://sandiegoballet.org/season/shows/the-nutcracker/

*World Ballet Series – Balboa Theater, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego; Sun., Dec. 3, 2 & 6 pm, $35-$95. https://sandiegotheatres.org/event/2023/12/world-ballet-series-nutcracker

*Evolution Dance Center – California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; Sat., Dec. 3, 3 & 5:30 pm, $30-$40. https://artcenter.org/event/evolution-dance-center-presents-the-nutcracker/

*West Coast Dance – California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; Sun., Dec. 10, 6 pm, $40-$60. https://artcenter.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/instances/a0F5c00002lkINqEAM

*San Elijo Dance Academy – California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 16-17, 2 pm, $32-$55. https://artcenter.org/event/san-elijo-dance-music-academy-presents-the-nutcracker-4/

*San Diego Academy of Ballet & Ballet Theatre with orchestra– California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; Sat., Dec. 23, 1:30 pm, $85. https://artcenter.org/events/month/2023-12/

San Bernardino/Riverside Counties

*Inland Pacific Ballet – Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Dr., Rancho Cucamonga; Sat., Dec. 2 & 9, 2 & 7:30 pm, Sun., Dec 3 & 10, 2 pm., $63-$91. Also at Bridges Auditorium, 450 N. College Way, Claremont; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 16-17, 2 pm, $37-$95.  Also at Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; Fri., Dec. 22, 7:30 pm, Sat., Dec. 23, 2 & 7:30 pm, $48-$152. https://ipballet.org/.

 
*David Allan’s Nutcracker– New York City Ballet dancers Emma Von Enck and Daniel Applebaum guest in this version. Landis Performing Arts Center, 4800 Magnolia Ave., Riverside; Fri.-Sat., Dec. 15-16, 8 pm, Sat.-Sun., Dec. 16-17, 1 pm, $20-$45. https://bravaarts.thundertix.com/events/219454

*Inland Empire Contemporary Dance – Yucaipa Performing Arts Center, 12062 California St., Yucaipa; Fri., Dec. 8, 7 pm, Sat., Dec. 9, 2 & 6 pm, Sun., Dec. 10, 4 pm, $20-$35. https://yucaipaperformingarts.org/event/the-nutcracker-7/

*Lake Arrowhead Classical Ballet Company – San Manuel Performing Arts Theater, Aquinas High School, 2772 Sterling Ave., San Bernardino; Fri., Dec. 1, 7 pm, Sat., Dec. 2, 2:30 & 7 pm, Sun., Dec. 3, 2:30 pm, $25. https://arrowheadballet.org/calendar/

Featured Image: Inland Pacific Ballet – photo by E.Y. Yanagi