Tis the Season! Rounding up SoCal’s Nutcracker Ballets

Those sounds you hear aren’t just the the stampede of Christmas shoppers or tummy rumblings from leftover turkey and trimmings, they are the thrum of oncoming hordes of Nutcracker princes, Sugar Plum fairies, waltzing flowers and dancing mice descending upon local stages from now until Christmas. While jaded critics may groan at the prospect of yet another production of The Nutcracker, balletomanes welcome the chance to compare various professional versions (this year including Los Angeles Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and Miami City Ballet) and to survey local companies’ upcoming crop of  pre-professionals or the charm of a ballet school’s budding dancers. With productions from Santa Clarita to San Pedro, Santa Barbara to San Diego, Huntington Beach to the Inland Empire, it’s possible to see The Nutcracker without leaving the neighborhood.  Even folk who think they don’t like ballet find it hard not to be beguiled by the exquisite, familiar Tchaikovsky score and nostalgic Christmas celebration that is the setting for a magical journey.

The following round up starts with some of notable professional endeavors and then a regional sorting.  Apologies for any omissions.  Let us know and we’ll make sure next year’s round up is even more extensive.

Professional productions:

Set in 1912, the Los Angeles Ballet’s Nutcracker is an L.A. original, choreographed by company co-artistic directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, with set design by L.A. artist Catherine Kanner. Now in its 13th season, L.A.’s own professional classical ballet company continues to demonstrate how well it understands this city. This year the company adds performances in Cerritos to its home theaters in Glendale, Westwood, Redondo Beach, and Hollywood with a live orchestra, bringing ballet to the audience rather than expecting folks to overcome hours of gridlocked traffic. The superb company dancers have proven themselves a home team to root for. In full disclosure, your scribe volunteered to watch the goings on from a chimney. Info and tickets at http://www.LosAngelesBallet.org. Cerritos Performing Arts Center, 18000 Park Plaza Dr., Cerritos; Sat., Nov. 24, 5 p.m., Sun., Nov. 25, 1 p.m., $36-$104.  Also at the Alex Theater, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sat., Dec. 1, 6 p.m., Sun., Dec. 2, 2 p.m., $36-$104. Also at Dolby Theatre, Hollywood & Highland, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; Sat., Dec. 8, noon & 5 p.m., Sun., Dec. 9, noon p.m., $46-$124. Also at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach; Sat., Dec. 15, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m., Sun., Dec. 16, 1 p.m., $36-$104.  Also at UCLA Royce Hall, Westwood.; Fri.-Sat., Dec. 22-23, 1 & 5 p.m., Mon., Dec. 24, 11 & 3 p.m., $36-$104. 310-998-7782, http://www.LosAngelesBallet.org.

American Ballet Theater. Photo by Doug Gifford.
American Ballet Theater. Photo by Doug Gifford.

Celebrated Russian choreographer Alexei Ratmansky’s interpretation of the classic for American Ballet Theatre brings ABT’s splendid dancers to SoCal. The announced casting includes many of ABT’s top stars including local alum Misty Copeland (current casting for leads at http://scfta.org.). Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa; Fri., Dec. 14, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 15 & 22, 2 & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec 16 & 23, 12:30 & 5:30 p.m., Wed.-Fri., Dec. 19-21, 7 p.m., $49-$269. 714-556-2787, http://scfta.org.

Miami City Ballet returns for the second year with its production of George Balanchine’s Nutcracker. In addition to the live orchestra, young dancers from local studios and the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus participate. Music Center, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown; Fri., Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 1, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 2, 11 & 4 p.m., $34-$138. http://musiccenter.org/nutcracker

Debbie Allen's Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of the artists.
Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of the artists.

Fans of Debbie Allen have a chance to see her perform in Hot Chocolate Nutcracker, her version of the holiday classic. Carlos Imperato,  Tisha Campbell-Martin, Tichina Arnold, Kristopher Nobles, Mathew Johnson and DADA also star, backed by dancers from the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Redondo Beach; Thurs.-Fri., Dec. 6-7, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 8, 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 9, 2 p.m., $60-$110. http://HotChocolateNutcracker.com.

Choreographer Laurence Blake and artistic director Victoria Koenig created Inland Pacific Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker that has become a local tradition. IPB’s professional dancers are joined by students from IPB’s respected ballet academy. Two Friday performances on Dec. 14 and 21 are devoted to IPB’s popular Nutty Nutcracker. Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Dr., Rancho Cucamonga; Sat., Dec. 1 & 8, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec 2 & 9, 2 p.m. Also at Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; Fri., Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 15, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 16, 2 p.m. Also at Bridges Auditorium, 450 N. College Way, Claremont; Fri., Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 22, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 23, 2 p.m., $23-$62, discounts for seniors & children 12 & under. 951-779-9800, http://www.IPBallet.org.

Inland Pacific Ballet. Photo courtesy of IPB.
Inland Pacific Ballet. Photo courtesy of IPB.

For two decades, Moscow Ballet has brought its touring version titled Great Russian Nutcracker to approximately 50 cities during November and December. This Russian company stops off at four SoCal venues. The cast of 40 includes international ballet competition winners. The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; Fri., Dec. 14, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 15, 1 p.m., $43-$123.50. Also at Valley Performing Arts Center, the Saroya, Cal State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff, Northridge; Wed., Dec. 19, 7 p.m., $30-$250. https://www.thesaroya.org. Also at McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert; Mon., Dec. 17, 7 p.m., no available tickets as of press time. http://www.mccallumtheatre.com.  Also at Jacobs Music Center, Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., San Diego; Thurs., Dec. 20,  3 & 7 p.m., $28-$89. http://www.nutcracker.com/buy-tickets.

Over the years, artistic director David Wilcox’ version of The Nutcracker for Long Beach Ballet has acquired an array of special effects from three Disney designers, Flying by Foy, pyrotechnician John Bordeaux, magician Franz Harari and even a white Arabian horse. This year’s production includes a live orchestra and professional guest artists joined by students from the affiliated ballet school.  A pre-show luncheon with special photo ops and VIP seating is available for Sun. Dec. 17 (additional charge). Terrace Theatre, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach; Sat., Dec. 15 & 22, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 16 & 23, 2 p.m., Fri. Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m., $34-$115. 877-852-3177, http://www.LongBeachNutcracker.com.

Long Beach Ballet. Photo by Katie Ging.
Long Beach Ballet. Photo by Katie Ging.

Last year, American Contemporary Ballet debuted a one hour, immersive, three-dimensional  experience Nutcracker Suite. ACB returns with its compact version. ACB Studios, 700 S. Flower St., 3200, downtown; Sat., Dec. 1, 8 p.m., Sun., Dec. 2, 9, 16 & 23, 2 & 5 p.m., Fri., Dec 7, 14 & 21, 8 p.m., Sat., Dec. 8, 15, & 22, 2 & 5 p.m., Thurs. Dec., 20, 8 p.m., Mon., Dec 24, 1 p.m. $50-$98. https://www.acbdances.com.

The professional dancers of State Street Ballet are joined by students from the affiliated ballet school in its Nutcracker by artistic director Rodney Gustafson. Granada Theater, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara; Sat., Dec. 16, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 17, 2 p.m., $24-$104. 805-899-2222, https://www.statestreetballet.com.

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

          Metro Los Angeles:

Los Angeles Ballet – Dolby Theatre, Hollywood & Highland, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; Sat., Dec. 8, noon & 5 p.m., Sun., Dec. 9, noon p.m., $46-$124. Also at UCLA Royce Hall, Westwood.; Fri.-Sat., Dec. 22-23, 1 & 5 p.m., Mon., Dec. 24, 11 & 3 p.m., $36-$104. Also at the Alex Theater, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sat., Dec. 1, 6 p.m., Sun., Dec. 2, 2 p.m., $36-$104. Also at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach; Sat., Dec. 15, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m., Sun., Dec. 16, 1 p.m., $36-$104. 310-998-7782, http://www.LosAngelesBallet.org.

Los Angeles Ballet. Photo by Reed Hutchinson.
Los Angeles Ballet. Photo by Reed Hutchinson.

Miami City Ballet – Music Center, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown; Fri., Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 1, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 2, 11 & 4 p.m., $34-$138. http://musiccenter.org/nutcracker

Miami City Ballet. Photo by Iziliaev.
Miami City Ballet. Photo by Iziliaev.

Moscow Ballet – The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; Fri., Dec. 14, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 15, 1 p.m., $43-$123.50. Also at Valley Performing Arts Center, the Saroya, Cal State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff, Northridge; Wed., Dec. 19, 7 p.m., $30-$250. https://www.thesaroya.org. Also at McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert; Mon., Dec. 17, 7 p.m., no tickets as of press time. http://www.mccallumtheatre.com.  Also at Jacobs Music Center, Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., San Diego; Thurs., Dec. 20,  3 & 7 p.m., $28-$89. http://www.nutcracker.com/buy-tickets.

American Contemporary Ballet – ACB Studios, 700 S. Flower St., 3200, downtown; Sat., Dec. 1, 8 p.m., Sun., Dec. 2, 9, 16 & 23, 2 & 5 p.m., Fri., Dec 7, 14 & 21, 8 p.m., Sat., Dec. 8, 15, & 22, 2 & 5 p.m., Thurs. Dec., 20, 8 p.m., Mon., Dec 24, 1 p.m., $50-$98. https://www.acbdances.com.

American Contemporary Ballet. Photo by Victor Demarchelier.
American Contemporary Ballet. Photo by Victor Demarchelier.

Yvonne Mounsey and Rosemary Valaire, the late founders of Westside Ballet created a Victorian Christmas card version of the Nutcracker.  The respected training company performs with the Santa Monica College Symphony.  The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica; Sat.-Sun., Nov. 24-25, Dec. 1-2, 1 & 5 p.m., $45.  http://www.WestsideBallet.com/nutcracker

One-time star of Russia’s Kirov (now Mariinsky) Ballet, Marat Daukayev choreographed, directs and stars as the mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer with students from his admired Marat Daukayev Ballet Theatre and School.  Luckman Fine Arts Complex, 5151 State University Dr., East L.A.; Sat., Dec. 8, 2 & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 9, 11:30 a.m. & 4:30 p.m., $42-$50. https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2419796

Ballet Conservatory West – Smothers Theater, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu; Sat. Dec 8, 2 & 7 p.m., $30-$50. https://pepperdinearts.ticketforce.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=227.

          Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley:

Los Angeles Ballet – Alex Theater, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sat., Dec. 1, 6 p.m., Sun., Dec. 2, 2 p.m., $36-$104. Also at Dolby Theatre, Hollywood & Highland, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; Sat., Dec. 8, noon & 5 p.m., Sun., Dec. 9, noon p.m., $46-$124. Also at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach; Sat., Dec. 15, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m., Sun., Dec. 16, 1 p.m., $36-$104,  Also at UCLA Royce Hall, Westwood.; Fri.-Sat., Dec. 22-23, 1 & 5 p.m., Mon., Dec. 24, 11 & 3 p.m., $36-$104, 310-998-7782, http://www.LosAngelesBallet.org.

Los Angeles Ballet. Photo by Reed Hutchinson.
Los Angeles Ballet. Photo by Reed Hutchinson.

Company director Cynthia Young choreographed Pasadena Dance Theatre’s version of The Nutcracker for the students of her well-regarded ballet academy. The Dec. 16 & 17 shows offer refreshments and a chance to meet the heroine Clara at a Nutcracker Party before the performance (additional charge). San Gabriel Civic Auditorium, 320 Mission Dr., San Gabriel; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 15-16 & Fri.-Sat., Dec. 21-22, 2 p.m., Sun., Dec., 23, 1 p.m., $22-$68. http://www.PasadenaDance.org.

Los Angeles Youth Ballet hosts guest artists Ashley Murphy and Brooklyn Mack. Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Fri., Dec. 21, 7 p.m., Sat., 22, 2 & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 23, 2 p.m., $25-$59. http://www.AlexTheatre.org.

Red Chair Children’s Production Company – Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sat., Dec. 8, 2 p.m., Sun., Dec. 9, 2 & 6 p.m., $25-$45. 626-683-3459. http://www.AlexTheatre.org.

          South Bay & Long Beach:

Debbie Allen's Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of the artists.
Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of the artists.

Los Angeles Ballet – Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach; Sat., Dec. 15, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m., Sun., Dec. 16, 1 p.m. Also at the Alex Theater, 216 Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sat., Dec. 1, 6 p.m., Sun., Dec. 2, 2 p.m., $36-$104. Also at Dolby Theatre, Hollywood & Highland, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; Sat., Dec. 8, noon & 5 p.m., Sun., Dec. 9, noon p.m., $46-$124. Also at UCLA Royce Hall, Westwood.; Fri.-Sat., Dec. 22-23, 1 & 5 p.m., Mon., Dec. 24, 11 & 3 p.m., $36-$104. $36-$104, 310-998-7782, http://www.LosAngelesBallet.org.

Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker – Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Redondo Beach; Thurs.-Fri., Dec. 6-7, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 8, 1 & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 9, 2 p.m., $60-$110. http://HotChocolateNutcracker.com.

Long Beach Ballet -Terrace Theatre, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach; Sat., Dec. 15 & 22, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 16 & 23, 2 p.m., Fri. Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m., $34-$115. 877-852-3177, http://www.LongBeachNutcracker.com.

Long Beach Ballet. Photo by Katie Ging.
Long Beach Ballet. Photo by Katie Ging.

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. 7, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 8, 2 & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec.9, 2 p.m., $29-$39, $19 seniors & children under 13. http://www.SanPedroCityBallet.org.

South Bay Ballet – The respected ballet school brings its charming version to Marsee Auditorium. El Camino College Center for the Performing Arts, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance; Sat. & Sun., Dec. 15 & 16, 2 p.m., $34, $24 children under 13. 310-329-5345, http://www.SouthBayBallet.org, http://elcaminotickets.universitytickets.com/user_pages/event_listings.asp.

Metropolitan Ballet Company – James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Dr., Torrance; Sat., Dec. 22, 7 p.m., Sun., Dec.23, 2 p.m., $20, $18 children. 652-685-5403, http://dancewest.org.

Palos Verdes Ballet – Norris Theatre, 27570 Norris Center Dr., Rolling Hills Estates; Sat., Dec. 15, 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 16, 1 & 5 p.m., $38, $28 age 10 & under. 310-377-6663,https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=93516.

Dance Peninsula Ballet – Norris Theatre, 27570 Norris Center Dr., Rolling Hills Estates; Fri., Nov. 30, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 1, 2 & 7 p.m. Sun., Dec. 2, 2 p.m., $35, $25 under 18. 310-377-6663, https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?actions=4&p=20, https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=pvpa.

Pacific Dance Academy – Centinela Valley Center for the Arts, 14901 S. Inglewood Blvd., Lawndale; Fri., Dec. 7, 6 p.m., Sat., Dec. 8, 2 & 6 p.m., Sun., Dec.9, 2 p.m., $18-$23 in advance, $20-$25 at door. (818) 346-4447, http://PacificDanceCenter.com.

Southern California Dance Theater – Downey Civic Theater, 8435 Firestone Blvd.; Sat., Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 23, 2 p.m.; $28-$32. 562-861-8211, http://DowneyTheatre.org., https://tickets.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&w=bfede039157c0c9f99056f948c4415ca&vqitq=31a287a8-8e47-49ad-8696-efcb4006d980&vqitp=1da90bf9-9c90-4bd5-a9df-5d9c8493d14d&vqitts=1543270186&vqitc=vendini&vqite=itl&vqitrt=Safetynet&vqith=8de27c4382ca4f5bb402a6498b391205  

          San Fernando Valley:

Moscow Ballet Valley Performing Arts Center, the Saroya, Cal State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff, Northridge; Wed., Dec. 19, 7 p.m., $30-$250. https://www.thesaroya.org. Also at The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; Fri., Dec. 14, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 15, 1 p.m., $43-$123.50. Also at McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert; Mon., Dec. 17, 7 p.m., no tickets as of press time. http://www.mccallumtheatre.com.  Also at Jacobs Music Center, Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., San Diego; Thurs., Dec. 20,  3 & 7 p.m., $28-$89. http://www.nutcracker.com/buy-tickets.

California Dance Ensemble – Agoura Hills Performing Arts Education Center, 2855 W. Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas; Sat., Dec. 15, 2 & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 16, 1 & 5:30 p.m., $22-$32. 818-889-8058,https://www.californiadanceensemble.org/http://PerformingArts.lvusd.org.

Santa Clarita Ballet – College of the Canyons, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita; Sat., Dec. 15, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 16, 2 & 7 p.m., $32-$38, $32 seniors & children 10 & under. 661-251-6844, http://santaclaritaballet.net, https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=93296.   

Dance Creations – Agoura Hills Performing Arts Education Center, 28545 W. Driver Ave., Agoura Hills; Fri., Nov. 30, 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 2, 2 p.m., $18-24. http://PerformingArts.lvusd.org.

Antelope Valley Ballet – Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 W. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster; Sat., Dec. 8, 2 & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 9, 2 p.m., $30. 661-723-5950, http://www.lpac.org/event.php?id=2017#shows.

Orange County

American Ballet Theatre – Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa; Fri., Dec. 14, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 15 & 22, 2 & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec 16 & 23, 12:30 & 5:30 p.m., Wed.-Fri., Dec. 19-21, 7 p.m., $49-$269. 714-556-2787, http://scfta.org.

American Ballet Theatre. Photo by Doug Gifford.
American Ballet Theatre. Photo by Doug Gifford.

More than 100 students from Southland Ballet Academy perform in the training company, Festival Ballet Theatre. Announced guest stars for this year’s Nutcracker include Teresa Reichlen (New York City Ballet) with Ulrik Birkkjaer (San Francisco Ballet) on Dec. 8-9, Vitor Luis (San Francisco Ballet) on Dec. 14, 15 & 16 with Maria Kochetkova (San Francisco Ballet) Dec. 15-16, Beckanne Sisk with Chase O’Connell (Ballet West) on Dec 21-22, and Sara Mearns with Jared Angle (New York City Ballet) Dec 23-24. Irvine Barclay Theater, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine; Sat., Dec. 8, 15 & 22, 2 & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 9, 16 & 23, 1 & 6 p.m., Fri., Dec. 21, 2 & 7 p.m., Mon., Dec. 24, 11 a.m., $45-$90. 949-854-4646. http://www.theBarclay.org.

Maple Youth Ballet – Irvine Valley Performing Arts Center, 5500 Irvine Center Dr., Irvine; Fri., Dec. 14, 7 p.m., Sat.-Sun., Dec. 15-16, 2 & 7 p.m., $33, $28 children under 12 years. http://mapleconservatory.com/performances-tickets/

Anaheim Ballet’City National Grove, 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim; Sun., Dec. 23, 12:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m., $25-$45. 714-520-0904, https://www.AnaheimBallet.org, http://www.CityNationalGroveofAnaheim.com.

Sunrise Ballet – Servite Theater, 1952 La Palma Ave., Anaheim; Sat., Dec. 8, noon & 4 p.m., Sun., Dec. 9, noon, $20. http://SunriseBallet.dance.

Ballet Repertory Theatre – Golden West College Mainstage Theater, 15751 Gotherd St., Huntington Beach; Sat., Dec. 8, 15 & 22, 2 & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 9, 16 & 23, 1 & 5 p.m., Fri., Dec. 14 & Dec. 21, 7 p.m., Mon., Dec. 23, 1 p.m., $20, $16 seniors & under 12 years. 714-895-8150 x1, http://www.gwctheater.com.   

Coast City Ballet – Huntington Beach Historic Theater, 1905 Main St., Huntington Beach; Fri., Dec. 21, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 21, 2 p.m., $22-$24, $21-$22 children & seniors. 714-963-9771, http://www.coastcityballet.com

Ballet Etudes – Huntington Beach Historic Theater, 1905 Main St., Huntington Beach; Sat., Dec. 1, 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 2, 1 p.m., Sat., Dec. 8, 2 & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 9, 2 p.m., $25-$35. 714-902-9423, https://www.tututix.com/client/balletetudes.

Laguna Ballet – McKinney Theatre, Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo; Thurs.-Fri., Dec. 13-14, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 15, 2 & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 16, 1 & 6 p.m., $26, $24 students & seniors, $22 children 12 & under.  949-582-4656, http://www.lagunadancetheatre.com/nutcracker.

          Ventura/Santa Barbara Counties:

State Street Ballet – Granada Theater, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara; Sat., Dec. 16, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 17, 2 p.m., $24-$104. 805-899-2222, https://www.statestreetballet.com.

State Street Ballet. Photo courtesy of SSB.
State Street Ballet. Photo courtesy of SSB.

The students of Pacific Festival Ballet Company, the resident ballet company of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza are joined by New York City Ballet principal dancers Tiler Peck and Gonzalo Garcia. Among the guest artists look for the high flying Kalinin Russian Dance Troupe. Civic Arts Plaza, Fred Kavli Theater, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 15-16, 2 & 7 p.m. $28-$44. http://www.pacfestballet.org/. https://www.civicartsplaza.com.

Ventura County Ballet – Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 1-2, 2 p.m. Also at Ventura College, 4700 Loma Vista, Ventura; Fri., Dec. 7, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 8, 2 & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 9, 2 p.m., $25-$40.  http://venturacountyballet.com/.

Moorpark Civic BalletAgoura Hills Performing Arts Education Center, 28545 W. Driver Ave., Agoura Hills; Sun., Dec. 23, 2 & 6:30 p.m., $35-$40. http://www.MoorparkBallet.comhttps://performingarts.lvusd.org/upcoming-events/ .

Conejo Civic Ballet Company Fred Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks; Sun., December 9, 2:30 p.m., $20-$36. http://www.balletarts.org, http://www.ticketmaster.com.

Santa Barbara Festival Ballet – Arlington Theater, 1317 State St., Santa Barbara; Sat., Dec. 8, 2:30 & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 9, 2:30 p.m., $25-$50. http://www.theArlingtonTheatre.com.

          San Diego County:

Moscow Ballet – Jacobs Music Center, Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., San Diego; Thurs., Dec. 20,  3 & 7 p.m., $28-$89. Also at Valley Performing Arts Center, the Saroya, Cal State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff, Northridge; Wed., Dec. 19, 7 p.m., $30-$250. https://www.thesaroya.org. Also at The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; Fri., Dec. 14, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 15, 1 p.m., $43-$123.50. Also at McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert; Mon., Dec. 17, 7 p.m., no tickets as of press time. http://www.mccallumtheatre.com.  http://www.nutcracker.com/buy-tickets.

West Coast Ballet Theatre – California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 22-23, 2 p.m., $18.50-$42. 800-988-4253, http://www.SanDiegoNutcracker.com.

City Ballet – Spreckels Theater, 121 Broadway, San Diego; Fri., Dec. 7, 14 & 21, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 8, 15, & 22, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 9, 16 & 23, 2 p.m., $25-$89. 858-272-8663, https://www.cityballet.org.

San Diego Ballet – Jacobs Music Center, Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., San Diego; Sat., Dec. 29, 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 30, 2 p.m., $35-$100. 619-294-7311, https://sandiegoballet.tix.com.

California Ballet – San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 3rd. Ave., San Diego; Fri., Dec. 14 & 21, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 15 & 22, 2 & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 16 & 23, 1 p.m., Wed.-Thurs., Dec. 19-20, 7 p.m., $21-$91. 858-560-5676, http://www.sandiegotheatres.org/the-nutcracker.

          San Bernardino/Riverside Counties:

Inland Pacific Ballet – Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Dr., Rancho Cucamonga; Sat., Dec. 1 & 8, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec 2 & 9, 2 p.m. Also at Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; Fri., Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 15, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 16, 2 p.m. Also at Bridges Auditorium, 450 N. College Way, Claremont; Fri., Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 22, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 23, 2 p.m., $23-$62, discounts for seniors & children 12 & under. 951-779-9800, http://www.IPBallet.org.

Inland Pacific Ballet. Photo courtesy of IPB.
Inland Pacific Ballet. Photo courtesy of IPB.

Moscow Ballet – McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert; Mon., Dec. 17, 7 p.m., no tickets as of press time. http://www.mccallumtheatre.com. Also at The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; Fri., Dec. 14, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 15, 1 p.m., $43-$123.50.  Also at Valley Performing Arts Center, the Saroya, Cal State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff, Northridge; Wed., Dec. 19, 7 p.m., $30-$250. https://www.thesaroya.org. Also at Jacobs Music Center, Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., San Diego; Thurs., Dec. 20, 3 & 7 p.m., $28-$89. http://www.nutcracker.com/buy-tickets.

Inland Empire Contemporary Ballet – Grand Terrace Performing Arts Theatre, 21810 Main St., Grand Terrace; Sun., Dec. 8, 2:30 p.m., $15-$25. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-nutcracker-ballet-tickets-27644357016.  

What are you looking for?