By Janine DeFao
“The Nutcracker” is a perfect ballet to introduce children to dance performance and a great way to celebrate the holiday season. From smaller productions featuring local ballet students to dazzling professional productions to abridged and sensory-friendly versions, there’s a “Nutcracker” option in the Bay Area for every taste and budget.
Alameda Civic Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” – DEC. 19-20.See local dance students shine in this annual tradition. 2pm. Ticket prices TBA.
Castro Valley Center for the Arts, 19501 Redwood Road, Castro Valley
alamedaballet.com/aba-performances/nutcracker
Ballet America’s “Nutcracker” – DEC. 5-6. This 1.5-hour, family-friendly “Nutcracker” features a cast of nearly 100 local dancers twirling alongside professional dancers. $36.70-50.98.
Main Theatre, Cañada College, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd., Redwood City
Berkeley Ballet’s “The Nutcracker Bird” – DEC. 19-20. This one-act, 70-minute production offers a fresh perspective on this beloved ballet, with sweet treats and festive beverages before the performance and meet-the-dancer parties after each show. 1 and 5pm. Ticket prices TBA.
Regents’ Theater, Valley Center for Performing Arts, 3500 Mountain Blvd., Oakland
http://berkeleyballet.org/nutcracker
Black Diamond Ballet’s “Nutcracker” – DEC. 4-13. The 14th annual performance features new choreography, costumes and cultural dances. A sensory-friendly performance especially for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, sensory sensitivities or other disabilities will be held Dec. 5 at 11am. Ticket prices TBA.
El Campanil Theatre, 601 E. Second Street, Antioch
blackdiamondballet.org/nutcracker
A Dance-Along Toy Story” – DEC. 19-20. In this year’s version of this family-friendly San Francisco tradition, Clara and Fritz become toy-sized themselves, riding cable cars, dodging dancing rats and meeting a magical Pinball Wizard. Audience members can get up and sing and dance along to live music from the 75-piece San Francisco Pride Band. $50 and up adults, $30 and up children.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Forum, 701 Mission St., San Francisco
dance-along-nutcracker.sfprideband.org
Diablo Ballet’s “The Nutcracker Suite” – NOV. 13-14. See choreographer Julia Adams’ charming reimagining of the beloved classic, and enjoy a complimentary post-performance party at the Nov. 14 2pm performance with a festive meet and greet with the cast, a ballet class demonstration, autograph signing and more. $32-61.
Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
diabloballet.org/nutcracker-suite
Graham Lustig’s “The Nutcracker” – DEC. 19-20. The spirit of the holidays is brought to life with beautiful dancing, magnificent scenery and imaginative costumes, with the Oakland Symphony and Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir bringing Tchaikovsky’s score to life. Sweet Dreams parties are available after the show with an additional $25 ticket. 1pm. $35.55-162.
Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland
Los Gatos Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” – NOV. 21-22. Join Clara as she celebrates with friends and family, vanquishes the Mouse King, travels with her Nutcracker Prince through the magical realm of the Snow Queen on to the palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy. 1 and 6pm. $32-66.
McAfee Center for Performing Arts, Saratoga High School, 20300 Herriman Ave., Saratoga
“Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets” – DEC. 5-20. This unique 50-minute production of the classic holiday ballet is designed for families with small children and audiences of all ages with storytelling that is affordable, magical, zany and fun. $23.50-65.50.
Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture, Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, San Francisco
http://mfdpsf.org/nutcracker-sweets
New Ballet’s “The San Jose Nutcracker” – DEC. 19-27. Presented with Symphony San Jose, it’s ajoyful holiday production that transports the well-loved story to turn-of-the-century San Jose, with historical references that highlight the valley setting as a birthplace of innovation. “My Very First Nutcracker,” a one-hour adaptation for young children, takes place Dec. 20, 22, 23 and 27 at 11am, with pre-show LEGO activities in the lobby. $34 and up, $29 and up for “My Very First Nutcracker.”
California Theatre, 345 S. First St., San Jose
http://newballet.com/nutcracker
“The Original San Jose Nutcracker” – DEC. 12-13.San José Dance Theatre has been performing this cherished tradition for more than six decades, accompanied by the Cambrian Symphony. $33.77 and up, VIP tickets available.
San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 S. Almaden Blvd, San Jose
Ozra Academy of Ballet “The Nutcracker Suite” – DEC. 19-20. Students and guests perform, with sponsorship provided by the Contra Costa Ballet Foundation. Ticket prices TBA.
Diablo Valley College Theater, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill
Pacific Ballet Academy’s “The Nutcracker” – NOV. 27-29. A shortened, sensory-friendly performance of just Act 2 will be held Nov. 27 at 2pm. See website for details.
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View
Ramon Moreno School of Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” – DEC. 11-13. See Clara’s magical journey performed by the Palo Alto ballet school. $50.
Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton
ramonmorenoballet.com/nutcracker
San Francisco Ballet “Nutcracker” – DEC. 4-27. Helgi Tomasson’s “Nutcracker,” set in Victorian-era San Francisco, has been a cherished holiday tradition for Bay Area families for decades. A sensory-friendly performance takes place Dec. 27 at 11am, offering a relaxed, comfortable ballet experience. $55 and up.
War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco
sfballet.org/productions/nutcracker
San Francisco Youth Ballet’s Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” – DEC. 5 and 6.
San Francisco Youth Ballet presents its 25th anniversary performance of the holiday ballet. Character photo opportunities are available, and children under 10 will receive a special gift. 1:30 and 5pm. $35-65.
Terra Nova Theater, 1450 Terra Nova Blvd., Pacifica
Valley Dance Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” – DEC. 12-20. This annual Tri-Valley holiday event enchants audiences of all ages, bringing Tchaikovsky’s well-known music and ballet to life with elegance and beauty. 2 and 7pm. $39 and up adults, $25 ages 18 and under, under 2 FREE.
Bankhead Theatre, 2400 First St., Livermore
Janine DeFao is an associate editor at Bay Area Parent.
