An iconic classic that heralds the holiday season, “The Nutcracker” returns with its Tchaikovsky score and casts that include stunning ballet professionals and talented students. Youngsters as charging mice, little ballerinas or dancing snowflakes provide the awww factor, making this annual show a must-see production.
BalletCenter Studios
Director Michelle Noblejas-Bartolomei and former principal dancer Trystan Merrick created original choreography for “Clara and the Nutcracker Soldier.” The reimagined version of the classic tells the story of Clara, an orphan who looks for her parents with the help of the Snow Queen. 7 p.m. Dec. 1; 1 and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2. Joan B. Kroc Theatre, 6611 University Ave., San Diego. $30-$60. (619) 322-7328. balletcenterstudios.com
World Ballet Series
Gorskaya-Hartwick Productions out of Los Angeles brings this touring show to San Diego. The traditional tale is told with 50 professional dancers, bejeweled costumes and stunning sets. 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 3. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. Tickets start at $39. sandiegotheatres.org
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet
Toy soldiers and mice stage an epic battle as brave little Clara and her Nutcracker Prince travel to the Land of Sweets in this popular family production. 7 pm. Dec. 8; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 9; 2 p.m. Dec. 10; 7 p.m. Dec. 15; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 16; 2 p.m. Dec. 17. Casa del Prado Theatre, Balboa Park $30. (619) 233-3060. sdcyb.org
Golden State Ballet
The lavish downtown production choreographed by Raul Salamanca includes professional dancers and 90 talented students from the award-winning academy. The Tchaikovsky score is performed by a live orchestra from the San Diego Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16; 1 and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 17; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21-22; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 23; 2 p.m. Dec. 24. A non-waivable $3.50 theater restoration fee is added to the cost of every ticket. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $25-$129. goldenstateballet.org
San Diego Ballet
An international cast of more than 100 dancers in spectacular costumes are ready to inspire the imagination with this magical rendition of the seasonal classic. The company tours to cold Montana before returning to San Diego for its local performance, featuring sugar plum fairies, swirling snow and a dashing prince. 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 16. The Magnolia, 210 E. Main St., El Cajon. $45-$115. (619) 294-7378. sandiegoballet.org
Encinitas Ballet Academy
Internationally renowned choreographers Sayat Asatryan and Olga Tchekachova present the classic in two North County locations, featuring an animated 3-D backdrop, professional dancers and skilled students. 2 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Ritz Theater, 301 Grand Ave., Escondido. $22-$30. 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, Encinitas. $20-$40. (760) 632-4947. encinitasballet.com
City Ballet of San Diego
John Nettles directs the City Ballet orchestra for this award-winning holiday production. The full-length ballet is presented with Victorian-era sets, glittering costumes and choreography by Elizabeth Wistrich. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22-23. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $29-$99. (800) 988-4253. cityballet.org
The Ballet Company
Dancers perform as dewdrops, diamonds and sunbeams to music by The Beatles and Tchaikovsky in a sweet, 1960s-themed rendition of the holiday story. 6 p.m. Dec. 22. Joan B. Kroc Theatre, 6611 University Ave., San Diego. $35. (858) 531-4632. theballetcompanysd.com
Luttrell is a freelance writer.
